With two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth of Wednesday’s series finale at Yankee Stadium, Juan Soto worked one of his trademark competitive at-bats, working the count full before taking ball four in the dirt to load the bases for Aaron Judge.
Soto, representing the tying run, is known for his keen eye at the plate, and has consistently been among the league leaders in walks since making his debut. But Sal says Soto needs to be looking to do something with the bat.
“He’s looking for a walk! I love Juan Soto…a walk is not as good as a hit,” Sal said. “When you have Judge struggling, a pitcher on the ropes, and runners on first and second in a spot where you need to do damage. You’re Juan Soto. You need to do damage there, not draw a walk.
“Juan Soto is looking for a walk. Swing the bat, bro. you want to get paid? Swing the bat…I cannot accept a walk in that spot from Juan Soto. That does not get the job done. Passing the baton is not what I’m looking for from Juan Soto. I’m looking for him to do some damage.”
Soto has done his share of damage already this season, batting .360 with a 1.008 OPS, but Sal wants to see him looking to do more than just get on base when he comes up in a big spot that can decide the game.
“If you don’t get plenty of pitches to hit, fine,” Sal said. “Soto was looking for a walk in that at-bat. So much so, that when we walked, it was like he accomplished some great feat…no, you didn’t get the job done. You passed the baton to Judge, who has been cold, and he didn’t get the job done. Soto failed in that spot.”