Aaron Judge has come under scrutiny for his approach during the Yankees‘ offseason pursuit of Juan Soto, who is now a free agent after playing a pivotal role in the Bronx Bombers’ 94-68 season and their first World Series appearance since 2009. Despite the Yankees’ increased efforts to retain Soto, Judge, the team captain, has taken a hands-off approach to the recruiting process.
“I think the best thing is to give those guys space,” Judge said last week. “I talked to him all season. He knows how we feel about him. The most important thing is to let him do his thing… and come to the right decision for him and his family.”
Aaron Judge faces criticism over passive approach in Yankees’ efforts to retain Juan Soto
However, this stance has drawn criticism, including from former MLB reliever Trevor May, who questioned Judge’s tactics on his podcast Foul Territory.
“If you want him, sometimes you just have to flex that muscle a bit because you’re Aaron Judge, man,” May said. “You are the LeBron James of the game right now, so just be him. It is interesting and kind of odd that he was very adamant about not talking to him.”
May went further, suggesting that Judge’s reserved personality might not align with the expectations of a captain in situations like this.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are not relenting in their pursuit of Soto. Reports suggest the team recently increased their offer to keep the Dominican slugger in Pinstripes amid strong competition from big-market teams, including the Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Mets. Soto, who hit 41 home runs, posted a .989 OPS, and finished third in MVP voting last season, remains the Yankees’ primary target.
Adding to the stakes, the Yankees have reportedly also explored talks with free-agent pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, but Soto’s re-signing remains their top priority.
Trevor May encapsulated the pressure facing the Yankees, saying, “The worst thing that could have happened for this negotiation was them losing this World Series. It almost makes Juan Soto a must-sign. If they don’t, the fan disapproval will be loud and long.”
For now, all eyes are on Judge and the Yankees’ front office as they work to secure the cornerstone piece of their lineup for another postseason run.
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