NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his solo home run in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on April 22, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
“I’m really happy to know where I’m going to be for the next 15 years.”
So said the biggest offseason story in MLB as he arrived at spring training this week. Since his signing to the New York Mets in December, Juan Soto has continually expressed his confidence in the team and his belief that it was the best place for him to win a World Series.
When asked about Soto’s crosstown move and comments during his introductory press conference, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed little surprise.
“I wasn’t too surprised by it. I think that’s where he wanted to be. I think that’s where is best for him and his family,” Judge said. “He got a pretty nice deal over there. I mean, you can’t say no to that. But I’m happy for you.”
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The Yankees reached the World Series with Soto and Judge in 2024, eventually falling short in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Judge had a spectacular regular season, he hit a brutal .184 with 14 strikeouts during the postseason and dropped a fly ball that allowed the Dodgers to sneak back into the series winner.
“Definitely coming in hungry, if not hungrier than in years past,” he told reporters. The Yankees have also been bolstered by other big-name free-agent signings – Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, among others.
The Mets, though, have probably had the second-splashiest offseason in the league (presumptively behind the Dodgers), adding Soto and Clay Holmes, as well as making multiple significant re-signings. Owner Steve Cohen hasn’t been shy about courting acquisitions – or opening his pocketbook – in creating a culture of winning.
When asked about Soto’s belief that the rival Mets were the best place for him to win a World Series, though, Judge cut the thread short quickly.
“That’s his opinion,” he said. “He can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him.”
Both teams made their respective league championships in 2024. Now, as the ramp-up to the 2025 season begins, we’ll prepare to see whose confidence is proven right.
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