The New York Yankees’ pursuit of retaining superstar outfielder Juan Soto has stirred speculation, not just about financial offers but also about the role of team captain Aaron Judge. Former Yankees catcher Erik Kratz recently weighed in, suggesting that Aaron Judge could take a more active role in influencing Soto’s decision.
“If I were in Judge’s shoes, I’d make an effort to connect with Soto,” he said, highlighting the importance of team leaders showing interest in key players during significant decisions. The ex-Yankees argued that a direct conversation between Aaron Judge and Soto could not only reinforce Soto’s value to the organization but also make him feel wanted on a personal level, beyond contract numbers.
“I don’t wanna go too far into like, ‘Maybe they didn’t connect over the year,'” he said. “If somebody is my boy, I am hounding him to stay with my team. I am hounding him to be like, ‘Hey, you can’t screw this up.’ Sometimes when guys come over for one year, they don’t always make that connection for one season. Obviously, I am going so far into it here. I could be stepping out of bounds by saying that. “But I would like somebody to sell me on staying with the team but also I don’t think that’s what he [Juan Soto] is looking for.”
Kratz reflected on Aaron Judge’s own free agency experience two years ago, noting that the slugger likely preferred a hands-off approach during his negotiations. This, Kratz speculated, might explain why the Yankees captain has maintained a reserved stance regarding Soto’s situation. However, Kratz emphasized that as the leader of the Yankees, Aaron Judge has the potential to shape the outcome of this pivotal moment.
“Maybe this is how [Aaron] Judge wanted to go about his free agency,” the former teammate said. “He just went through free agency two years ago. Maybe he was like, ‘All I need is my family, my faith, and what else did he mention there? And my money.’ Maybe that’s how he wanted people to treat him when he was in free agency.”
Aaron Judge’s non-interference in Soto FA a mystery
Aaron Judge, however, has been known for his measured approach as a captain. While he may not publicly display overt involvement in free agency dealings, insiders suggest that he remains deeply committed to building a championship-caliber team. His relationship with Soto during the 2024 season was reportedly positive, contributing to the Yankees’ World Series appearance.
The debate over Aaron Judge’s leadership style has split opinions among fans and analysts. Some believe his respectful distance during free agency reflects professionalism, while others, like Kratz, see it as a missed opportunity to strengthen team cohesion. As Soto weighs offers from multiple teams, including the Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays, the Yankees find themselves in a highly competitive bidding war.
Ultimately, Soto’s decision will hinge on many factors, including financial terms, organizational vision, and his rapport with teammates. Aaron Judge’s leadership remains a cornerstone of the Yankees, and whether or not he takes a direct role in Soto’s negotiations, his presence and influence on the team are undeniable.
As the Soto sweepstakes continue, the Yankees face the dual challenge of navigating external competition while ensuring their internal dynamics align with their ambitions for future success.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Mr. Kratz, where was your big mouth when the Yankees new Pitching Gurus were ruining your ‘son’, Deivi in 2021? And having been in Yankee Land himself, he has to know that whatever comes out publicly from there, is always spin, truth be damned. The truth? Who knows? Who really knows what Judge has said to Soto? They could’ve had a long talk about it during the down times in the postseason. They could be exchanging emails or texts, or even phone calls and Judge lets Soto vent. Maybe because Boras is the agent, Soto, is leaning more on Cole, who went through this with the same agent.
Hate to say it but I agree 100%.
I don’t know if Judge has made a push in private, but he should have been public with it.
People keep saying that Judge should be affected by the amount of money Soto could get.
I always thought that he should have said something like: “I signed my contract when I had the chance and I didn’t know that all this money was available, I signed for a lot of money anyway and wish Juan the best in his free agency process”.
All these comments in the press are going to create unnecessary friction between them after what was obvious that they connected well in their first season.
I honestly think that Judge is a good enough teammate to tolerate Soto getting a better contract than him and smart enough to recognize that the team is better with Soto and that not signing him could mean watching him going to a division rival.
My question is:
Is Soto smart enough to realize that no matter where he signs it’s going to be crazy money?
With all that money in play wherever he goes the only winner is the agent who’s percentage gets better and for that reason will push him guided by dollar signs.