Aaron Judge throws hat into Juan Soto sweepstakes, boosts Yankees’ chances

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The potential historical impact of the Judge-Soto partnership largely depends on the outcome of the upcoming offseason. While Aaron Judge‘s position with the Yankees is secure, the future of Juan Soto, set to become a free agent, introduces an element of uncertainty. If Juan Soto moves on after an exceptional 2024 season, their collaboration might be seen as a notable yet brief episode rather than a long-lasting, transformative era for the Yankees.

Juan Soto’s performance this season has been exceptional. He has become only the second player in Yankees history to achieve 108 or more RBIs within the team’s first 131 games, a feat not seen since Jason Giambi in 2003. With 31 games remaining in the regular season, along with potential playoff appearances, Juan Soto has already accumulated 109 RBIs. His batting average stands at .299, while his slugging percentage of .606 and OPS of 1.034 are his highest since the truncated 2020 season.

The Yankees fanbase has voiced their strong desire for Juan Soto to remain with the team. During a recent 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies, fans at Yankee Stadium chanted “Please stay Soto.” When approached about these sentiments, the slugger diplomatically deferred to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman for discussions on his future.

Judge has acknowledged the fans’ enthusiasm, praising Juan Soto’s significant contributions and talent. He noted the Dominican’s impact on the Yankees’ success but also pointed out that the final decision will depend on what is best for the slugger and his family.

The Yankees captain plans to speak with Juan Soto after the season concludes and before the free agency process intensifies, reflecting his personal investment in his teammate’s future while respecting the business side of the decision.

“Fans are excited,” he said. “They’ve got every right to be. He’s an incredible player. He’s done a lot for us this year, and I think they definitely want to see a lot more of that to come. But it’s gonna be his decision in the end and what’s best for him and his family. So we can only, we can do what we can from the chants.”

“Yeah, at the end of the year, you know, when all said and done and, you know, season end when it ends, yeah, I’ll try to spend some time.”

But money matters a lot for Yankees’ ability to retain Juan Soto

Aaron Judge’s intent to spend time with Juan Soto after the season ends signals his personal interest in potentially keeping the outfielder with the Yankees.

The on-field synergy between Judge and Soto has been clear, with their performances recently showcased in a game where they, along with Giancarlo Stanton, hit consecutive home runs.

The key issue for the Yankees is whether they can retain Juan Soto amidst anticipated strong competition from other teams during the free-agency period.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone commended Juan Soto for exceeding the high expectations set upon his arrival, noting the positive relationship between Soto and the Yankees fanbase.

“It’s obviously a tribute to somebody that came here with a lot of fanfare and a lot of expectations and has been every bit, and then some, as advertised,” he said. “Certainly the fanbase has embraced him, and he’s embraced it right back.”

Juan Soto, when asked about his future and whether his experience with the Yankees this season might influence his decision, remained noncommittal. He suggested that such matters would be addressed during spring training.

Financial speculations regarding Juan Soto’s next contract have been prominent. According to a survey of 13 experts by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Soto, who turns 26 in October, could command a contract valued between $520 million and $600 million.

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