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Rays get best-case Juan Soto scenario in free agency after he crushed them in 2024

ByMason Stacy|
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Juan Soto has officially signed a record-breaking deal with the Mets that gives him $765 million over 15 years. This contract was released after over a month of speculation and interest from multiple organizations. Among the clubs that showed immense investment in the left-handed slugger were the AL East juggernauts, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

The iconic AL East organizations missed out on their right fielder of the future and there may be few people happier than the Rays pitching staff. The formidable offensive weapon absolutely demolished the Rays during the 2024 season, as he was the reason for most of their losses against the American League champs.

Juan Soto was a menace to the Rays pitching staff in 2024

Soto slashed .358/.407/.736 with four home runs against Tampa Bay pitching last year. The Dominican outfielder especially took a liking to hitting against the Rays in his former friendly confines. While in Yankee Stadium, he hit a remarkable .467 with three home runs and nine RBIs in only seven games against the Rays.

Now, these are clearly astounding numbers that the pitching staff should be concerned about for any particular hitter, but it makes this signing all the more relieving. Other Yankees stars were much less successful against Rays hurlers.

Rays pitched very well against Yankees star outfielder, Aaron Judge

The Rays took care of business against AL MVP Aaron Judge compared to the rest of the AL East. In fact, there were only three AL teams that pitched better against the monstrous outfielder: the Astros, Royals, and Angels. Needless to say, they were given a smaller sample size against Judge.

The Rays were able to hold the prolific center fielder to a .261 AVG with only two home runs in 13 contests. This is a very respectable stat line as he finished the year with a .322 AVG and 58 home runs.

Rays pitching also kept Yankees power threat, Giancarlo Stanton homerless in five games against their division rival. With all this being said, the Yankees offense is obviously weakened after news of the Juan Soto signing and the Rays have gained a slight advantage based on last year's outcomes. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come for Tampa Bay in this heated AL East rivalry.

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