MLB insider sees this Yankees slugger winning his first MVP

The New York Yankees bats have been on fire so far in 2024 but one player in particular has been having an absolutely superb season. If he continues to perform at such a high level, the slugger could add an MVP trophy to his resume for the first time in his career.

MLB insider Jon Heyman has selected Juan Soto as his early favorite to win the American League MVP award.

It isn't surprising to see Soto earn such plaudits. He has been the Yankees' best bat so far this season. In 39 games played, Soto has a .333 batting average, nine home runs and 33 runs batted in. As of this writing he is currently leading the league in RBI, walks and on-base percentage.

Soto's performance is a major reason why the Yankees are a top team in the AL. His performance takes some of the pressure off of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres. Behind Soto's hot bat, New York is currently second in the AL East with a 25-14 record.

But Soto's impact goes beyond his play. His intensity can be felt throughout the stadium and echoes through the clubhouse and dugout. 

“You can feel the energy of the crowd. Literally every pitch is theater,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters. “He doesn’t give a pitch away. Every pitch, you kind of hold your breath a little bit.”

It is hard to imagine Soto slowing down. With the talent New York has in its lineup, opposing pitchers can't work around the slugger. If they do, the likes of Judge, Stanton or Torres will reap the rewards.

If Soto is going to win an MVP, this season seems to be his best opportunity and if the 25-year-old is able to add that elusive trophy to his collection, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Yankees make a run for yet another World Series ring.