Why Judge’s Statement About Soto’s Departure Is Partially Incorrect
By Derek McAdam
February 19, 2025
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Just two months ago, it was announced that Juan Soto was leaving the New York Yankees for the cross-town rival Mets for a record $765 million over the span of 15 years. The departure was not shocking to many fans, as Mets’ owner Steve Cohen made it very clear that he was not going to be outbid for Soto’s services. While the Yankees made a competitive offer, it seemed that Soto was going to play for the highest bidder.
Since then, there has been plenty of storylines out there of Soto’s current relationship with some former Yankee teammates , but not much reality has been presented, since most of it was pure speculation. With Spring Training now underway, players are now being asked about Soto’s decision, with one of the players discussing the matter being Aaron Judge.
In response to Soto’s comments saying that the Mets gave him the best chance to win a World Series, Judge said he “definitely disagree[s]” with him. Judge’s comment is definitely one that he is supposed to give to the media, as it displays confidence in his own team. But I have to say, I disagree with Judge on this.
When the Yankees brought Soto over from San Diego before the 2024 season, they were coming off an 82-80 season that was filled with many disappointments. Potentially knowing that his job was in jeopardy, Brian Cashman set off to create a roster that would be more competitive, with the big move being the Soto trade.
And the trade did wonders for the Yankees. Without Soto in the lineup, I’m not sure if the Yankees make the World Series. They were definitely a playoff team, but Soto was one of the few Yankees who actually performed well throughout the playoffs and had several big hits, including the series-clinching home run in the ALCS. The addition of Soto also proved to help Aaron Judge’s offense, which ultimately resulted in a second AL MVP.
But, it’s also fair to look at the New York Mets’ situation. They also made a run in the playoffs, making it to the NLCS before the Los Angeles Dodgers took care of business in six games to advance to the World Series. The Mets made it to the NLCS without Soto, and are now starring at the goal of at least making it to the World Series with his arrival. Plus, the Mets have an owner who is more than willing to spend whatever is necessary to put a winning team on the field.
When I saw that the Mets officially agreed to terms with Soto, I thought the money was absolutely ridiculous, but two other thoughts came to mind. First, it was good that the Yankees did not re-sign him, which allowed them to improve their roster in several other areas. Second, it was a great move in the short-term for the Mets, who definitely improved their chances of getting past the Dodgers in the playoffs and making a push for their first World Series victory since 1986.
If the Yankees were able to keep Soto, I do not picture them signing a top free agent pitcher such as Max Fried or trading for someone such as Cody Bellinger. Plus, it may have impacted their decision to keep Gerrit Cole, who did opt-out of his deal for the remaining four years, but ultimately came back on the same deal for $144 million.
Soto’s departure also improved the Yankees’ defense in the outfield. He was an extreme liability in right field, and Judge is not cut out to play center field, especially as he’s turning 33 in April. It’s also worth noting that many outfielders say right field is much easier to play at Yankee Stadium than left, and even still, Soto struggled.
As mentioned earlier, I understand that Judge is in a position to where he has to defend his team. And maybe he truly does think that the Yankees offer Soto a better chance at winning a World Series, or multiple titles, over the next several years. However, I still think that the Mets were in a much better position to add Soto than the Yankees were to keep him, as they would not have had the off-season they have if he stuck around.
As currently constructed, the Mets are a better team than the Yankees. If the Mets were in the AL, they would steamroll to the WS. But they have the Dodgers to contend with. Yankees have a much easier path but still I think will just miss the playoffs. Offense for the Yankees will be virtually nonexistent.
For all Soto's defensive flaws, he was only -1 DRS and -0.5 dWAR in 2024. I'll take that with 147 RC (4th best in MLB) and 7.9 oWAR (6th). Compare Soto defensively with some real butchers: Santander -7 DRS, or Thomas or Castellanos -11.
Well if Soto’s influence turned the Yanks “2023” 82-80 into a World Series contender.
How about looking at the 2022 Padres (Soto for a couple of months) team that finished 89-73), and then in 2023 with Soto for full year finished with identical 82-80 record as the Yankees! Only to be followed by another playoff appearance in 2024!
The 2023 Padre team included the cy young winner, Josh Hader and arguably a better top to bottom offense than last years Yanks.
As pointed out the NL has a few super power teams, and recent history shows it can work both ways……I agree with the Captain!
I like what was said last night on the YES Network about this whole thing. My biggest takeaway from it was, look at the the teams in the NL vs. the clubs in the AL. In 2025, the NL clubs are a lot stronger as a whole, oh, and the Dodgers play in the NL too.
Further, at least on paper, right now, the Yankees have a clear bath to the AL East, plus you can say the 2025 team is better than the 2024 version. Right now, the Orioles are worse, the Red Sox have plunged themselves into their own chaos as they totally mishandled the signing of Bregman. Toronto, I believe they will be trade deadline sellers. T…
the simplest way to give reasonable consideration to Judge's statement about the Mets being less likely to win a World Series than the Yankees is to consider to competition that the teams would gave to overcome in order to GET TO a Series.
Mets have the more difficult row to hoe
and, as Ed notes, probably don't have the pitching required