Aaron Judge, fresh off being named American League MVP for the second time in his career, took a moment Friday to discuss the ongoing saga surrounding his teammate, Juan Soto. While Judge’s individual achievement is noteworthy, much of the focus has shifted to Soto’s free agency, which could reshape the Yankees’ future.
Aaron Judge weighs In on Juan Soto’s free agency decision amid Yankees’ pursuit
Juan Soto, who finished third in the MVP race, is the hottest name on the market this offseason. After an electrifying 2024 campaign in which he slashed .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs, the 26-year-old has reportedly drawn interest from multiple big-market teams, including the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Despite the Yankees’ strong interest in retaining Soto, Judge emphasized giving his teammate space. “I haven’t talked to him at all,” Judge told reporters, including ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. “I think the best thing is to give those guys space. I talked to him all season; he knows how we feel about him. Now, it’s about letting him make the best decision for him and his family.”
Judge knows the pressures of high-profile free agency. Two years ago, he faced a similar situation before re-signing with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million contract. Soto, however, could surpass that figure, with projections suggesting his deal might approach $600 million after his stellar season and postseason heroics.
Soto played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ resurgence, helping them win 94 games and clinch the American League East after missing the playoffs in 2023. His October performance was equally remarkable, highlighted by a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 5 of the ALCS that sent the Yankees to their first World Series in 15 years.
On Friday, Judge expressed his admiration for Soto’s contributions. “Having a guy like that in front of you was a big impact,” Judge said. “If I could have eight Juan Sotos in the lineup, I’d love that.”
Judge also revealed he met with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner earlier this offseason to discuss potential moves, including Soto’s situation. “I went down to Tampa for about a week right after the season and discussed a lot of things,” Judge shared. “From Juan to other guys out there who could help this team.”
While Judge isn’t actively recruiting Juan Soto, Yankees officials—including Steinbrenner, GM Brian Cashman, and manager Aaron Boone—recently met with him in California. Steinbrenner later described the meeting as “a good, honest discussion.”
The Yankees face the reality that losing Soto, after trading five players for him and Trent Grisham last December, would be a tough blow. Yet, Soto’s 2024 season was the stuff of dreams, cementing his value as one of the game’s brightest stars.
Judge’s stance is clear: whatever it takes to keep Soto in pinstripes. “It ain’t my money,” he said. “I don’t care as long as we get the best players.”
As Soto deliberates, one thing is certain—the Yankees are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit to bring him back to the Bronx.
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