Despite dealing with some injuries, the New York Yankees started the 2024 MLB season with a thrilling, four-game sweep over the Houston Astros.
Though it’s not how teams want to win all of their games, the Yankees proved they can be the quintessential Comeback Kids after posting four come-from-behind victories against a hated rival in the Astros.
Doing so on the road is even more impressive. The season is still in its infancy, but it’s difficult to ignore the significance of this kind of start to the season.
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Top Yankees’ standouts from sweep over Astros
Here’s a quick look at the top standouts from the thrilling, four-game sweep:
1. OF Juan Soto
Who else would top this list? Soto very well may have already earned his pinstripes before officially donning the uniform at Yankee Stadium. There could not have been a better start to the season for the 25-year-old superstar. In the opening series, Soto went 9-for-17 in 20 plate appearances, collecting a home run, a double, four RBI and three walks. It started with a game-saving throw in the ninth inning on Thursday, continued with a clutch solo home run on Saturday gave the Yankees a late lead and concluded with the go-ahead RBI single in the top of the ninth inning on Sunday.
We’re still only beginning the season, but the contract he’s going to get in the offseason should come with a blank check.
2. 3B Oswaldo Cabrera
The young utility player for the Yankees clearly had a fire lit under him. Cabrera’s role was threatened by the Yankees’ acquisition of Jon Berti. However, Cabrera would give the Yankees no reason to put him on the bench. Cabrera was heavily involved in the three victories to begin the season before going 0-for-3 on Sunday. Going 7-for-16 to begin the season, Cabrera added two home runs, six RBI and a ridiculous 1.346 OPS. With D.J. LeMahieu on the shelf a little longer, Cabrera may have played himself into a regular role as the third baseman.
3. SP Marcus Stroman
The Yankees need the starting rotation to step up with Gerrit Cole out until at least the end of May. The New York native in Stroman was up to the task in his Yankees debut. Stroman put together a fantastic outing, going 6.0 innings allowing four hits and three runs (none earned) while striking out four. He threw 101 pitches, including 58 strikes. Stroman relied mostly on his sinker and cutter, which accounted for 75 of his pitches. It was the type of performance the Yankees need from the middle of the rotation.
MORE: When is Gerrit Cole’s target return date from injury?
4. RP Ian Hamilton
Is there anything more menacing than Hamilton’s demeanor on the mound? The throw-back vibes of the seemingly always angry relief pitcher are always welcomed in a bullpen, and Hamilton’s stuff continues to shine. In 3.0 innings pitched over the weekend, Hamilton allowed no runs, one hit and no walks while striking out three of the nine batters he faced. His slider generated a ridiculous 66.7% whiff rate.
5. SS Anthony Volpe
The second-year shortstop wound up missing Sunday’s thrilling victory due to a stomach bug, but he was involved heavily in the first three games of the series. In 10 at-bats (14 total appearances), Volpe logged four hits, three runs, two RBI and four walks. The walks are what impressed the most as it’s clear he’s focusing on being a more patient hitter with discipline to avoid chasing outside the zone. A big Year 2 for the Gold Glove shortstop could be loading.
MORE: Volpe joins Yankees legend with impressive Opening Day stat
6. OF Alex Verdugo
Verdugo is bringing the exact kind of energy the Yankees need. As he put it himself, the Yankees look like a team full of “dawgs.” It’s a complete 180 from the squad that has taken the field over the last few seasons, and Verdugo is right in the middle of that. Though his bat is still acclimating, his prowess in the outfield was on full display, showing off some incredible range and instincts in left field.
7. RP Clayton Beeter
We have to shout out Beeter here. Even though he was optioned following Friday’s 7-1 victory, he had an impressive MLB debut. Beeter’s three-pitch outing was the first for a Yankees pitcher since Mariano Rivera in 2003. This likely wasn’t the last time we’ve seen Beeter pitch for the Yankees this season.
