There’s something about the Yankee Stadium’s short right porch. No matter how disciplined hitters might be, it is just so tempting. Just ask Aaron Judge, whose majestic dingers seem to clear the wall smoothly. But the latest New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto has a different opinion about the ‘short porch effect’. 

Acknowledging the advantages and the disadvantages of the short porch of the Yankee stadium, Soto made a statement. Do note that this was when he played in the Bronx as a visitor. He said in an introductory press conference, “We all know there’s a really short porch right there, and it’s going to be on your mind”. But now that he is a Bronx Bomber his opinion has drawn some attention. 

Soto’s Unique Choice in the Yankee Stadium 

As per the YES Network, the 25-year-old addressed the question about making use of the Yankees’ infamous short porch. Just like he had shared with the world last year, “But definitely I’m going to try to stay in the same approach I’ve been doing”, he will do it this year. 

This approach seems to be working well. Don’t we all know that Soto isn’t just about raw power? Apart from his power hitting abilities he is known for his incredible plate discipline. And one of the biggest factors that helps him do that is him using the entire field to his advantage.

On one hand his power is undeniable, especially at Yankee Stadium. On the other, changing his approach isn’t the answer for Soto.  He is an avid believer of, “If I get the chance to pull any ball and hit it that way, that’s fine for me. But my strength is going to left-center, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.” 

How Did Juan Soto Make This Choice? 

Well, it’s about his discipline more than about his personal preference. Statistics back up his strategy. There are 2 aspects here. One, the short porch might tempt him to pull the ball more often. And two, Soto naturally hits more balls to center and left field. These are areas that are deeper at Yankee Stadium. Which means, even with the short porch in play, making amends to his swing might not yield in more homers in actuality. 

Soto has set sight on not one but all parts of the field. This, combined with his hitting skills, is exactly what the Yankees can make use of. In the previous season, the Yankee lefties struggled largely, posting the fourth-worst OPS in baseball. Learning from what happened with the Yanks in the past, this season Soto is fixated on becoming a major offensive force – no matter where he hits the ball. 

Read More : Juan Soto Ready for Yankees Pressure? Long-Term Fit Comes Into Question Amidst Standout First Impression