For crossword fans who saw “Yankees slugger Juan” (from an NYT puzzle), here’s the scoop: “Yankees” is the team, “slugger” means a power hitter, and “Juan” is his first name. Put it together, and the answer is SOTO. Below, we’ll break down why that’s right and share some trivia and solving tips.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
Breaking it down:
Yankees indicates the New York Yankees team.
Slugger a power hitter (home run hitter).
Juan the player’s first name.
Combine those hints and you need the surname of a Yankee named Juan who hits a lot of homers. The only fit is Juan Soto, so the answer is SOTO.
Why SOTO is the Right Answer
Juan Soto fits every part of the clue. He’s a top slugger (a multi time Silver Slugger award winner). Soto played for the Yankees in 2024 and hit 41 home runs that year, clearly marking him as a Yankee slugger. No other Juan on the Yankees has that record, so SOTO is the obvious match.
Trivia and Fun Insight
Notable accolades: Soto won the 2019 World Series with Washington and was the 2020 NL batting champion. He’s also a four-time All-Star and five time Silver Slugger.
Fun facts: He’s famous for his quirky “Soto Shuffle” pre-pitch routine, and in 2024 he signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets the largest in pro sports history.
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
Name pattern: A clue with a first name + team often wants a last name. Juan + Yankees points to Soto (his surname).
Word hints: “Slugger” means power hitter. In a crossword puzzle, think of famous Yankee home-run hitters.
Stay current: Puzzles from the crossword mini NYT to crossword USA Today use recent news. If stuck, try a crossword solver or quick web search to verify the name.
Disclaimer
This guide is unofficial and for fun. We’re not affiliated with The New York Times or any puzzle publisher. All clues and answers are used here for educational and entertainment purposes only.