In recent years, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been among America’s favorite athletes, but after a whirlwind MLB offseason, the winds of change seem to favor Dominican Juan Soto.
Sal Licata, an analyst specializing in Major League Baseball, spoke on the SportsNet New York program, and made a comparison between the two players who were teammates with the Yankees.
Aaron Judge is the best player I’ve ever seen in my life. I said it at the beginning of last season and I stand by it, but I prefer to have Soto for two reasons: First because of his age. At some point, 30-year-old players start to decline. Judge and his big body will be 33 years old.
“Taking him out of center field will help, but he’s had an injury history. Number two, and this is the most important thing: Juan Soto has the best attitude and courage of any player I’ve ever seen. He’s not afraid or intimidated by anything; he’s shown that both in New York and in the postseason,” Licata added.
Comparisons between Judge and Soto have gained traction following the Dominican’s move to the New York Mets, and that move left many Yankees fans stunned.
After the duo’s explosive season together, seeing Soto wearing the Mets’ colors raised more than a few eyebrows.
The new and powerful Yankees
The Yankees are on a mission to build a team with experienced players after losing Soto. They have already made some impressive moves, bringing in standout players such as pitcher Max Fried, closer Devin Williams, slugger Cody Bellinger and former MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
Now, the Bronx Bombers are setting their sights on Jurickson Profar, offering him a tempting $25 million to join their ranks.
With his strong performance last season and significant contributions in the Caribbean Series, Profar could be just what they need to boost their chances this season.
If Profar decides to put on the pinstripes, he will join a stellar outfield alongside Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger.
Unlike the Mets’ strategy, which seems less focused on budget, the Yankees are taking a more calculated approach to their spending.
When Soto signed an astonishing $765 million contract with the Mets, some Yankees fans couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss.
However, this change could be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees, but that is something that only time will tell.