Ex-Yankees star Juan Soto overlooks Aaron Judge’s tear, praises former teammate as game’s top hitter.
As the Yankees navigate their 2025 campaign amid customary scrutiny and anticipation, a compelling conversation has emerged throughout baseball circles: who truly stands as the game’s premier talent right now?
For New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto, the answer resides outside the five boroughs.
During a candid conversation with Abriendo Sports, Soto identified his former Padres teammate, Fernando Tatis Jr., as baseball’s most complete performer today—a declaration that has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike, particularly given the cross-town rivalry with Aaron Judge and the Yankees.
“For me, right now, there’s no one more complete than Tatis Jr.,” Soto explained, highlighting Tatis’s exceptional abilities both offensively and defensively. His assessment stemmed not just from current statistics but from their shared tenure in San Diego, where Soto witnessed firsthand how “he can do it all in the field.”
Tatis’s scorching start to 2025
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The numbers validate Soto’s perspective. Through early May, the Padres superstar has produced a stellar .317/.387/.556 slash line with a .943 OPS, already accumulating 8 homers, 18 RBIs, and 7 stolen bases. His 1.7 fWAR positions him among the league’s top five performers, proving instrumental in San Diego’s impressive 23-11 beginning.
Most recently, Tatis transformed a rain-drenched contest in Pittsburgh into a personal milestone event, swiping his 100th career base following a hustle double, then crossing the plate with the decisive run in the ninth. This achievement placed him among just 27 active players in the exclusive 100 home run/100 stolen base fraternity.
“He does everything elite,” Soto remarked—an assessment further supported by Tatis’s teammate Manny Machado and Cleveland standout Jose Ramirez, who both commended Tatis’s infectious energy and passion for baseball.
But Judge is better
While Tatis captures national attention, Aaron Judge remains phenomenal in his own right. The Yankees captain continues posting remarkable statistics: a .412 batting average, 12 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a staggering 1.275 OPS. His presence has helped propel New York to a respectable 20-16 mark despite rotation inconsistencies and injury concerns.
Judge, already possessing two AL MVP trophies and numerous league-leading performances in recent years, continues serving as the foundation for the Yankees’ championship aspirations. His sustained excellence and unquestioned leadership have drawn comparisons to franchise icons, including praise from a former Yankee who understands stardom intimately.
A-Rod’s high praise: ‘Judge is Jeter 2.0’
Former Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez offered substantial acclaim for Judge during a 2023 SiriusXM interview, comparing him to perhaps the most revered modern Yankee.
“He is Derek Jeter 2.0,” Rodriguez stated. “Everything that was great about Derek is great about Aaron Judge.” Rodriguez identified parallels in leadership qualities, work ethic, physical tools, and media savvy, viewing Judge as the complete package.
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“He’s the perfect package, and then he’s Madison Avenue worthy,” Rodriguez continued. “He’s a guy that the late George Steinbrenner would have been absolutely in love with.”
This comparison transcends simple nostalgia. Judge, now in his prime, embodies the quintessential modern Yankee—disciplined, productive, marketable, and driven. He has helped restore the Yankees to perennial contention status. One significant achievement, however, remains absent from his résumé.
The championship void
MLB
Despite his accolades, critics consistently highlight one notable omission from Judge’s career: a World Series championship. Derek Jeter secured five titles. Rodriguez captured one. Judge has yet to appear in the Fall Classic.
The Yankees approached the pinnacle last season before ultimately falling to the Dodgers. As 2025 progresses, expectations intensify. With a potent offense and ace Max Fried anchoring the rotation with a league-leading 1.01 ERA, championship aspirations run high.
Nevertheless, competition remains fierce. The American League landscape features numerous contenders, making every contest crucial for an organization that measures success exclusively in championships.
Tatis vs. Judge: Contrasting excellence
The distinct profiles of Tatis and Judge reflect a broader dichotomy in today’s MLB. Tatis represents electric, flamboyant dynamism—his flair and speed commanding attention. Judge embodies disciplined power and consistency—his quiet leadership and relentless production establishing a model of excellence.
Soto’s comments likely reflect genuine appreciation for his friend’s abilities, but they also underscore the subjective nature of “greatness” in baseball. For many Yankees supporters, there exists little doubt regarding who truly reigns supreme.
Judge’s 2025 performance—combined with his continued leadership and historical trajectory—secures his position in the conversation, even as younger talents like Tatis generate increasing buzz.
As summer approaches, the Yankees will require Judge to perform at peak capacity to maintain their position in the competitive AL East, while Soto aims to elevate the Mets’ fortunes across town. While Tatis currently dominates headlines, should Judge guide the Bronx Bombers back to the World Series, he could effectively silence comparisons for good.
For now, the debate continues: does baseball’s finest talent patrol right field in San Diego, the Bronx, or perhaps even Queens?
Esteban Quinones is a proud graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Growing up just blocks away from Yankee Stadium in Upper Manhattan, Esteban developed a deep love for the New York Yankees, a passion that has been a constant throughout his life. Whether it's cheering for the Yankees or crafting strategic communications, Esteban brings dedication and enthusiasm to producing content around all things Yankees.
