ESPN: A former Major League Baseball pitcher blasts Aaron Judge over Juan Soto’s Yankees deal.
Why American League MVP Aaron Judge hasn’t contacted Juan Soto in free agency is perplexing to a former Major League Baseball player.
In 2024, Judge and Soto led the New York Yankees to a World Series trip, forming one of the greatest hitting tandems in MLB history. Together, the two scored 250 runs, 253 RBI, hit 99 home runs, and put up 18.7 WAR. Soto was acquired by the Yankees in a historic trade with the San Diego Padres prior to the 2024 season.
Judge unexpectedly told reporters after receiving his second MVP award that he wasn’t aggressively trying to get Soto to return to the Bronx to continue their collaboration.
“I haven’t had any conversations with him. According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, Judge stated, “I think the best thing is to really give those guys space.” And during the season, I spoke with him. He is aware of our feelings for him. The most crucial thing, in my opinion, is to let him do what he wants to do with his family, pray about it, consult others, and decide what’s best for them. Therefore, I haven’t spoken to him at all.
Judge said that he had spoken with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner about offseason moves, even if he had not spoken with Soto.
According to ESPN.com, Judge stated, “I met with him and just talked about a lot of things when I went down to Tampa for about a week kind of right after the season.” “From Juan to other guys out there, I believe they could be a huge asset to this team.” I sort of just provide my opinion on a few things, you know.
One former player felt that Judge should have contacted Soto while the Yankees were attempting to sign him in free agency.
A former MLB pitcher finds it “awkward.” Aaron Judge has not been in touch with Juan Soto.
Trevor May, who spent nine seasons as a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, and Oakland Athletics, stated on the “Foul Territory” podcast that Judge must “flex that muscle” in order to get Soto back.
Sometimes you have to flex that muscle a little if you want him. Man, you’re Aaron Judge. “At this moment, you are the LeBron James of the game,” May said.
After their season together, May thought it was “odd” that Judge wouldn’t try to help bring Soto back to the Bronx.
“It’s intriguing and a little strange that he was so insistent about not speaking to him, which seemed a little inappropriate given the circumstances,” May said.
The veteran pitcher went on to say that Judge’s easygoing demeanor may account for his lackadaisical stance toward Soto’s free agency.
“I’m going to put myself in this predicament man; he’s not the most confrontational strong personality. He doesn’t appear to enjoy doing that or feel comfortable doing it,” May said. “I know the captain tag may come with that, but that’s just how it feels to me.”
For Soto’s services, the Yankees are up against the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions. Days after making their first bid, the Yankees allegedly “upgraded” their contract offer to Soto.
It is anticipated that Soto will secure a deal for at least $600 million. By the time MLB winter meetings start next month, he’s probably going to have made up his mind.
