After watching the first month or so of the 2024 MLB season, it’s evident what the difference has been with the New York Yankees. Their pitching has performed admirably, but it hasn’t been necessarily stellar or awful. It’s right where it should be. The position player depth has been shattered with injuries. So how are the Yankees getting by?

The one and only answer is Juan Soto. The offseason blockbuster trade that saw the Yankees land the MVP candidate has been 2024’s saving grace. He’s single-handedly prevented the offense from going dormant on numerous occasions so far and has been responsible for at least five of the team’s wins.

Without him, it’s scary to wonder where the Yankees would be, especially with Aaron Judge slumping arguably the worst he ever has since his rookie campaign.

This has increased chatter about Soto remaining in pinstripes for the long haul because the relationship has seemingly gotten off to the best start possible. And as it pertains to 2024, he might be the team’s most important player with how things are shaping up.

Unless … you ask a group of MLB executives. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand polled a few high up baseball people anonymously to determine who was the more important player for this season, and the group favored Judge.