ESPN: Aaron Judge Disclosed his Discussion with Yankees Owner Hal Steinbrenner About Juan Soto
Although Aaron Judge hasn’t specifically asked Juan Soto to rejoin the Yankees this winter, he has discussed Soto’s importance to the lineup this season with Hal Steinbrenner, the team’s owner.
Judge told reporters on a conference call on Friday afternoon after winning the second American League Most Valuable Player Award of his career on Thursday night.
The captain of the Yankees disclosed that he and Soto have not spoken since the World Series concluded. Soto was a finalist and finished third in the race for the award, so he was hoping to get in touch with him during the MLB Network MVP announcement program on Thursday night. However, the superstar free agent did not show up.
Judge remarked, “I haven’t spoken to him at all.” “I believe that giving those guys a lot of room is the wisest course of action. He is aware of our feelings for him because I speak with them throughout the season. The most crucial thing, in my opinion, is to let him do what he wants with his family, pray about it, consult with others, and decide what is best for them.
Judge, on the other hand, has explained to Steinbrenner what Soto contributed to the Yankees’ lineup. He also joked that he would love to have eight other Juan Sotos in the starting lineup with him, which goes beyond the obvious.
Regarding Steinbrenner, Judge remarked, “I met with him during a week-long trip to Tampa immediately following the season.” We talked about a number of topics, from Juan to other players that could be able to assist this club. I essentially simply offered him my opinion on a few points.
Two years ago, Steinbrenner spent $360 million to keep Judge in pinstripes, going through this process with him. Judge won’t be the highest-paid Yankee if Soto returns because he is anticipated to sign a contract worth at least $600 million, if not $700 million.
Judge said that he didn’t mind at all when asked if that would disturb him.
Judge laughed and remarked, “To be honest, it’s not my money.” “I don’t give a damn. I’m content with anything as long as we get the greatest players and the most possible. I’ve never given any thought to who gets paid the most. I’ll do whatever it takes to obtain the top players.
According to reports, Soto wants to have a strong relationship with the owner of the team he joins with this winter when he is a free agent. There wasn’t much interaction between him and Steinbrenner throughout the previous season. The owner of the Yankees clarified that he didn’t want to disturb Soto or force the outfielder to leave his comfort zone at the ballpark. When Steinbrenner and the Yankees met with Soto earlier this week, the owner told the superstar that if he re-signs this winter, he will be treated the same way as Judge, Gerrit Cole, and the other clubhouse leaders going forward.
