Aaron Judge Speaks Out: Sets the Record Straight on Juan Soto’s Yankees Exit
While Yankees fans have been quick to point fingers over Juan Soto’s stunning move to the Mets, Aaron Judge was never the primary target of blame. Most of the heat has fallen on Soto himself or Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, whose reluctance to secure the superstar long-term left many fans frustrated.
However, that doesn’t mean Judge has been completely spared from criticism. Soto’s claim that he had no contact with Yankees teammates including Judge during free agency raised eyebrows, sparking questions about the clubhouse dynamics. As team captain, wasn’t it Judge’s responsibility to sell Soto on staying in pinstripes?
Until now, Judge has largely avoided addressing the criticism, instead offering respectful praise for Soto while expressing confidence in the Yankees’ future. But on Tuesday, the reigning AL MVP finally opened up about his relationship with Soto, setting the record straight on his role in the star outfielder’s free agency decision.
Judge Clears the Air: ‘Soto Didn’t Ghost Me’
Contrary to speculation, Soto didn’t cut ties with Judge or the Yankees. In fact, just days after Soto homered in his first spring training game as a Met, Judge FaceTimed him to check in.
“I asked him how camp was going, how he was getting along with the new guys, about the whole situation over there,” Judge told NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch.
Judge also reassured Soto that he would have no trouble adjusting to his new surroundings.
“Juan’s an incredible guy,” he said. “I told him, ‘You’re the best at fitting in. You came over here and were one of us from day one. You’re going to be just fine.’”
Judge refused to stoke any controversy, making it clear that Soto made the best decision for himself and his family in accepting a massive 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. However, he also pushed back against the idea that he didn’t try to convince Soto to stay. Judge explained that he hadn’t reached out over the winter simply because Soto had changed his phone number, and he didn’t want to be another voice pressuring him during a crucial time.
Judge’s Year-Long Recruitment Effort
Judge insisted that his efforts to keep Soto in New York weren’t just a last-minute push they had been happening all season long.
“We’d say, ‘Listen to those people, look at the fans, they love you,’” Judge recalled. “We’d joke around about it, but the whole year I would tell Juan how much he means to us and how great it would be if he was here.”
Even with Judge’s explanations, some questions remain. If he truly did everything he could to make Soto feel at home, why wasn’t it enough? Could he have done more like getting Soto’s new number and sending a simple message of support?
While much of the speculation surrounding their relationship may be exaggerated, Judge’s captaincy is still under scrutiny. Did the Yankees do enough to make Soto believe in their future? Or was the allure of the Mets simply too strong to ignore?
One thing is certain: Judge isn’t running from the conversation anymore.
