Count Brian Cashman among the many around the Yankees impressed by Juan Soto.
Cashman’s opinion, though, counts more than most.
The Yankees general manager traded for the superstar in December knowing that Soto, in all likelihood, would hit free agency at season’s end.
Soto, playing with a new club and during a contract season, has been everything the Yankees could have hoped, boasting an AL-best .431 on-base percentage, a .995 OPS and contributing more than expected in right field.
“Everybody knows he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber type player, right? He’s one of a kind in that way. Only a few can be in that category,” Cashman, in his first public comments of the season, said from a mural unveiling hosted by the Bronx Children’s Museum and Players Alliance. “When you get those caliber or those types, you certainly hope that the transition is easy and it’s plug-and-play.
“And so far, the transition has been easy, and it’s been plug-and-play.”
Soto has been spectacular on the field and well-regarded off of it, manager Aaron Boone frequently crediting his makeup and clubhouse personality.
He has heard “M-V-P” chants in right field and been embraced by a fan base that probably would like access to Hal Steinbrenner’s checkbook in hopes of extending the 25-year-old.
Cashman again said there have been no extension talks.
Soto is represented by Scott Boras, who generally prefers his clients to hit the open market.
“We’re really thankful and grateful that he’s here and he’s playing for us,” Cashman said before Soto launched his sixth homer of the season in a 7-3 win over the A’s in The Bronx. “He’s been a driving force for us. It feels like his personality fits the team, our fan base. It’s been a good run. And he’s obviously helped us hit that win column quite often so far.”
Jon Berti, who is out with a left groin strain, could begin a rehab assignment this weekend, Boone said.
Boone did not anticipate Berti would need a long stint in the minors before being ready.
Berti has become crucial for the Yankees, who are without DJ LeMahieu and thus do not have a backup first baseman or backup shortstop because Oswaldo Cabrera is their everyday third baseman.
Berti, who could return as soon as next week, could solve that issue by spelling Cabrera at third.
Nick Burdi, who last pitched April 16 before right hip inflammation sent him to the 15-day injured list, received an injection Monday, Boone said.
The righty, who was able to throw from his knees during the downtime, could return to throwing from a mound this weekend.
The Yankees are 17-2 (.895) this season when scoring at least three runs, the best such record in the majors.
Alex Wood, Thursday’s starting pitcher for the A’s, was ejected at the end of the first inning. It was unclear why.
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