New York – In the wake of his unanimous selection for a second AL MVP award, New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge made it clear that he wouldn’t mind if teammate Juan Soto landed a bigger contract than his own recent nine-year, $360 million deal. Judge, focused on team success, expressed indifference toward salary comparisons within the roster. “As long as we are bringing in the best talent and maximizing our team’s potential, I’m satisfied,” Judge remarked, emphasizing the pursuit of championship-caliber play over financial figures.
Judge’s sentiment comes amid speculation about Soto’s ongoing free agency discussions. Soto, a 26-year-old outfielder, finished third in the latest MVP voting and showcased a solid performance with a .288 average, 41 homers, and 109 RBIs this past season.
Soto’s tour through free agency includes meetings with multiple major league clubs, among them the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, and upcoming discussions with the Phillies. These meetings are part of a broader strategy expected to pick up pace post-Thanksgiving.
The Yankees made a considerable effort to pitch their vision to Soto, sending an impressive delegation to meet with him. This team included owner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman, and manager Aaron Boone—all aiming to either extend Soto’s stay or possibly enhance their roster with his high-caliber performance.
Steinbrenner, reflecting on the negotiations, described their dialogue with Soto as honest and open, yet remained reserved about the outcome. “We’ll be in the mix,” he noted, avoiding any bold predictions about the negotiations’ result.
The potential of having Soto alongside Judge could be transformative for the Yankees’ batting lineup. The duo previously batted in the Nos. 2 and 3 slots consecutively in a record 153 games, in which Soto’s propensity to draw pitches and wear down opponents proved advantageous for Judge, who followed him in the lineup. Judge, appreciating Soto’s strategic play, said, “Having someone like that in front of you is a significant advantage right from the first inning.”
Reflecting on the possibilities, Judge humorously contemplated a lineup replete with players of Soto’s caliber. “If I could have eight Juan Sotos batting with me, that would be ideal,” he mused.
As the offseason progresses, the Yankees and their fans will eagerly await the outcome of Soto’s deliberations, hopeful that their batting powerhouse will remain intact or even be strengthened for the upcoming seasons.
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