Juan Soto and Aaron Judge formed one of the most feared duos in recent years as they stood side by side in the New York Yankees lineup, with more than 100 home runs between them in the 2024 season.
And while the Yankees lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the biggest disappointment for Yankees fans was when Soto signed a long-term contract with their local rivals, the New York Mets, a decision that shocked everyone in the world of MLB.
However, the Yankees captain Judge knew that this day was coming and that the partnership with Soto was only temporary.
“I wasn’t too surprised,” Judge said. “I think the Mets are where he wanted to be.”
For now, Soto is enjoying life in Queens, but the Bronx Bombers fans continue to criticize Soto for his betrayal, although Judge gave the Dominican the reason.
Judge always had a great affection for Soto and they were always a great support for each other, and despite being rivals now the Yankees captain has only good words for his former teammate who signed a record $765 million contract with the Mets.
“I think that was the best thing for him and his family. He got a good deal over there. You can’t say no to that and I’m happy for him,” Judge said.
Judge’s message to Soto
The Dominican slugger revealed that he had a phone call with Judge after signing with the Mets, and recalled the great deal and words of encouragement from his former captain in the Bronx.
“When I signed with the Mets, the first thing we did was talk on the phone,” Soto revealed in an interview. “He told me that I had made the right decision for my family and that he was happy for me. That’s what a true friend says.”
Although they did not work together for long, the understanding between the two was total, with an explosive game that combined confidence with grace, the pair captivated Yankee Stadium, and now both show that it was a relationship beyond a work issue.
Messages to the Yankees fans
Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay dismissed the negative responses from fans as “little brother nonsense” and emphasized the need to preserve the dignity of Yankees fans.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has also been busy covering for Soto’s absence. Players such as Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams have improved the team’s defense and offense.
“Nobody can replace Soto,” Judge said in an interview. “He’s unique, but I think with the players we brought in, we were able to fill some gaps that we probably had last year.”
So far, Soto has a .250 batting average at the start of this season, with just one home run and three RBIs in the first nine games of the regular season, and the Mets are 6-3 (the same as the Yankees), and now we just have to see how the season progresses for two of the best players currently in MLB.
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