Sandwiched between his time as Yankees hitting coach and hitting coach in Philadelphia, Kevin Long held the same position for four years with the Nationals.
Few people know Soto’s approach at the plate, or his personality, better than Long, now in his third year with the Phillies. So there was a reunion between the two in front of the visiting dugout prior to Wednesday’s series finale at Citizens Bank Park.
Given that history, Long said he was confident going to the Yankees last offseason — and getting out of San Diego — would do the superstar good. Asked what he believed went wrong for his former pupil, Long said, “I think it could have gone sideways in San Diego with the way it was going. He wasn’t how I remember. It was just harder for him. Now, he feels at ease. He’s comfortable with where he’s at. I could see a difference.
Soto is on pace for his best full season in the majors — a product certainly of hitting in front of Aaron Judge, but also of being in a winning culture. Soto has stayed with Long and his family during the offseason in Arizona to work on hitting, and Long said he wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a call from Soto this offseason once Soto hits free agency for the first time.
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