"I see a different Yankees this year" - Juan Soto earns David Ortiz's recognition for bringing newfound chemistry to team
It's been a year to remember for New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto. After a high-profile move that saw five players shipped to the San Diego Padres, Soto has more than lived up to the freight train of hype that followed him to New York.
Boston Red Sox legend and long-time New York Yankees rival David Ortiz praised Soto's effect on the team's lineup and locker room chemistry.
"I remember telling Derek last year… ‘Man, when I watch the Yankees, I don’t see the chemistry with the team that I used to when you guys were there," Ortiz said during the Empire Sports Media at Fanatics Fest.
"This year I see a different Yankees team, I see the chemistry, that boy Soto man…I’m telling you," Ortiz continued about Soto's impact on the Yankees attitude and clubhouse.
Soto has been tremendous in his first season with the Yankees and is a big reason they find themselves atop the AL East.
"I know one guy cannot carry a whole team, but one guy can change a team," Ortiz said to the crowd in attendance.
While there were a number of reasons why the Yankees struggled last season, it's clear that having Soto in the lineup on a daily basis has simply changed the dynamic of the entire squad.
David Ortiz explained what it was like facing a dangerous Yankees team like Juan Soto's throughout his career
Over his 20-year Hall of Fame career, David Ortiz had to contend against the New York Yankees time and time again. During his prime, the hard-hitting first baseman took on some of the club's legends, such as Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, something that never came easy for the three-time World Series champion.
"The Yankees are the Yankees, I have a lot of friends that have played for them and they always have something phenomenal to say," Ortiz said of playing against New York. "This is the one team in the division that you have to compete with."
This sentiment certainly rang true during Ortiz's tenure with the club. However, despite the Yankees' strong record this season, the Red Sox have a 5-4 record against Juan Soto's crew this year.