NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Are the New York Yankees ready for two Kings on one throne? It’s clear that Juan Soto isn’t taking a backseat to anyone, Aaron Judge included. This is reminiscent of the Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez pairing and more recently for New York, the Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson pairing.
Soto was traded to the Yankees but then signed a one-year deal worth $31M this past offseason after a stellar season with the San Diego Padres in 2023. While his production this season is still on par with last year’s numbers, Soto is gaining national steam because of the uniform he’s wearing. He’s doing this in Pinstripes which makes it all the more meaningful.
So far, he’s batting over .300 with 34 HRs to go along with 87 RBIs and he’s doing it while batting a spot ahead of Judge. Just imagine where he could be batting 3rd or 5th in the order. As hot and as popular as he’s been, it has not come with drawbacks. The main one is money. How much is Soto worth to the New York Yankees?
That title currently belongs to Judge but with the way Soto is playing, it’s only a matter of time before someone in the NYC Media starts to place those thoughts out there. Is Judge really the guy to hitch their wagon to? Well, he’s been the leader damn near his entire career and they still haven’t won anything. While Jeter was the Captain, he won championships well before A-Rod arrived. But that still did not quiet any doubts or halt potential drama.
Enter Juan Soto. This was easily Judge’s team without any question. But as the season progressed, you could feel a shift on the field. While the locker room may still be his, Soto’s play on the field will undoubtedly put the New York Yankees in a tough spot. To make things more interesting, Soto already has a ring on his resume.
Currently making $31M, Brian Cashman will have to pony up some major coins to keep Juan Soto in the Bronx. But he won’t be the only GM looking for his services. This is where things in NY could get weird. Judge is on the books until 2032 while making $40M per season. His spot is secure. But Soto’s new deal should surpass that.
This is not Soto’s fault. We see this all the time in every sport. All he has done is what the Yankees asked of him. He needed to produce and he’s doing exactly that. But so is Judge. The Yankees are in a dead race for tops in the American League thanks to the production of Soto and Judge. Judge couldn’t do it alone. He has tried for years but to no avail. He needed Soto. But no one figured that his help could surpass him in Yankee Heirachy.
For the New York Yankees, it always boils down to Championships. Nothing else matters. Imagine if Jeter never won and then A-Rod comes along and helps them to a title. While Jeter was King, the nod would go to A-Rod for being that missing piece. This is what Judge is facing now. He has tried and failed as the lead guy. Here comes Soto and he has taken the Yankees offense to another level.
Judge has never had this type of production surrounding him before. Giancarlo Stanton was supposed to be that but he has fallen flat since coming to The BX.
Maybe there is no competition. Juan Soto and Aaron Judge could be the best of friends. Judge could be the happiest person for what Soto is accomplishing. However, this is a sport where competition runs deep even amongst teammates. Then you take into account the media market they play in. NYC has a way of putting teammates against each other. It’s just the natural way of life here.
Soto is doing things that Judge has been doing his career. But this time, it’s just different. Soto is not only helping the Yankees, he’s also helping Judge reach new heights. There is no more pitching through players, Soto is making pitchers pay the cost. Hell, last week, a pitcher walked Soto just to get to Judge. I don’t understand that logic either. Judge is batting .331, the highest of his career, and to think that Soto has not played a part in that is insane.
Cashman has to pay him like a boss. A Captain. A leader. You know, everything that he’s paying Judge to be. What if the Yankees advance to the World Series or even win it? Then that ups the price tag for Juan Soto. Will Judge be able to handle being second-fiddle to the newcomer? If you wish to go deeper, Soto is only 25 years old compared to Judge who is 32. So what long-term deal looks better for the Yankees moving forward?
One city, one stadium, and as Nas said “There can only be one King.”
