Aaron Judge made his feelings clear to Hal Steinbrenner: The captain wants to bring Juan Soto back to the Bronx.
Judge, who won his second AL MVP award this week, said in a conference call Friday that he met with Steinbrenner in Tampa shortly after the World Series and “we talked about a lot of things.”
That included the possible return of Soto, who has dominated free agency so far this offseason, and talks with Steinbrenner and the front office, as well as talks with Aaron Boone in Southern California. .
The judge said he had not yet spoken to Soto since he became a free agent and wanted to leave Soto alone.
“I think the best thing is to give them space,” Judge said of Soto. “I've talked to him all season. He knows how we feel about him. The most important thing is to let him do what he has to do and do what's right for him and his family. It’s about making a decision.”
Of course, as Soto has made clear throughout his season with the Yankees and throughout the playoffs, nothing the judges can say to Soto means much more than a conclusion, and no team will have an advantage when it comes to signing him. He repeated. They made a good offer and gave him a chance to win.
So it would cost a lot of money for the Yankees to keep Soto in pinstripes.
With the Mets and Dodgers at his disposal, the dangerous Red Sox and Phillies, and even wild cards like the Blue Jays all interested in Soto, he's definitely worth the $300 million in nine years that Judge tied for the second year. He will receive a contract worth more than $60 million. It was before the off-season.
Asked Friday if he would be comfortable being passed over by Soto if he returns to the Yankees, Judge laughed and said of the possibility of signing Soto. I really don't care. I would be happy if we could get the best players. It never really mattered to me who was paid the most. Anything we can do to get the best players, I'm open to.”
The judge said he followed the example of Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton was delighted when Bryce Harper surpassed him as the player with the most expensive contract in sports.
“Even though he signed one of his first big contracts back in Miami, after he got here he didn't care about being the highest paid guy,” the judge said of Stanton. “He just wanted good players around him. And if you ask everyone in there, I think they feel the same way.”
Steinbrenner said Wednesday during an owners meeting at MLB headquarters in Midtown that the Yankees would be “on board” to acquire Soto.
There is no doubt that Soto's presence in front of Judge in the Yankees' batting lineup has had an impact on the current two-time MVP. Soto had an even better offensive season this past year than he had in 2022, when he won the award for the first time. 62 home runs, an American League record.
But the judge said the meeting with Steinbrenner in Tampa, where both men live, did more than just keep Soto in line.
“We talked a lot,” the judge said. “From Juan to the other players that I think will definitely help this team.”
The Yankees have question marks not only in the outfield, but also in the infield other than shortstop, the rotation, and the bullpen.
Having a say in at least some decisions thanks to conversations with Steinbrenner, who Judge described as “very proactive” in improving the team. is almost certain.
“The more communication there is from top to bottom, the better off everyone is,” the judge said. “That comes with being in the position you're in and being a captain. The fact that they listen to us and want to know is a really great part of this effort. .”
The judge said the two met not only during the season but also in the offseason regarding adding players and coaches.
“He's always been receptive,” the judge said. “In the first few years, I didn't talk to him much. Now I understand how much he cares about this organization from top to bottom. It shows how it will continue to exist.”
