Juan Soto reminds the Yankees of their new offensive potential

TAMPA, Fla. – Juan Soto connected, and a sellout crowd gasped at Steinbrenner Field.

“That’s probably one of the farthest ones I’ve seen hit here in spring training,’’ Aaron Judge said of Soto’s three-run homer Sunday afternoon that sailed over the elevated outfield bar, conservatively measured at 447 feet.

“For him to go right-center with ease like that, that was pretty impressive,’’ Judge said after the Yankees’ 9-8 exhibition win against the Atlanta Braves.

This time, Soto took a moment to admire it.

“I’ve been trying to get on him, I said, ‘Every homer you’ve hit so far, you’ve kind of sprinted out of the box. Man, you’ve got to enjoy a couple of these,’ ’’ said Judge, who struck out twice in just two at-bats Sunday.

That was by design, with manager Aaron Boone wanting to split Judge's playing time Sunday with fellow center fielder Trent Grisham.

"What is it, March 10? I'm good (with that idea),'' said Judge.

Close to the Yankees' Opening Day lineup

Aside from Anthony Volpe’s absence, Sunday’s lineup resembled what Boone might roll out Opening Day, March 28 at Houston.

“Could be. We’ll see,’’ said the manager.

DJ LeMahieu, Soto and Judge were at the top, followed by Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Giancarlo Stanton and Alex Verdugo.

Delayed by a left calf strain, catcher Jose Trevino batted eighth and delivered a long sacrifice fly, a single and a homer to left in his three times up.

“The depth of this lineup just doesn’t end,’’ said Judge, on a day for rosy views of the Yankees’ run-scoring potential.

That optimism is being fueled by Soto’s scorching-hot start in pinstripes, three months after the Yankees sent a pitching-heavy trade package to San Diego to land the lefty slugger.

“Pretty excited about what this lineup is capable of,’’ said Judge. “Everybody’s just kind of ready to get rolling.’’

Juan Soto's crazy spring numbers

These are just Grapefruit League stats that will evaporate once the Yankees leave Florida in two weeks.

But Soto’s spring start – batting .500 (9-for-18) with four homers and 10 RBI in seven games – has validated the best hopes of Yankees Universe for 2024.

It’s hard to recall that dreadful, dull offense of 2023 when Soto is wearing down pitchers on full counts and murderous swings.

“I think he’s going to make our jobs a lot easier,’’ said Clarke Schmidt, speaking for the starting rotation.

During Soto’s 2-for-3 afternoon, Schmidt said the dugout chatter turned to how Soto “never gives away at-bats,’’ even in spring training. “(He’s) probably the most advanced hitter in the game, for sure.’’

He’s also the most expensive player moving into this winter’s free agent pool, and the price tag keeps going higher.

A more balanced Yankees batting order

Boone said he might move around his 4-5-6 hitters – Rizzo, Torres and Stanton – depending on whether or lefty or righty is starting.

Lefty-hitting catcher Austin Wells has exciting offensive potential and he’ll get his share of at-bats, and  Anthony Volpe – batting .391 this spring – has a more consistent swing entering his sophomore year.

“Never going to be a lead too far for this lineup (to come back),’’ said Stanton, after the Yanks wiped out Sunday’s 6-2 deficit.

Soto’s three-run shot off minor league right-hander Patrick Halligan gave the Yankees a 7-6 edge, and Stanton (2-for-3, line drive double) was in the batting cage when he heard Soto had connected.

“Pitchers seem to have nothing for him, they throw everything but the kitchen sink,’’ Stanton said with admiration.

“That’s how I used to not hit them,’’ Boone said dryly.

“It’s amazing how far he lets the ball travel…how much space he creates for himself,’’ Boone said. “Just a really special swing.’’

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto reminds the Yankees of their offensive potential