The New Rivalry: Yankees vs. Mets
TAMPA, Fla. — Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, had a candid response when asked about Juan Soto’s opinion that the New York Mets have a better chance to win World Series titles than the Yankees. Soto, a free agent, signed a historic $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets in December, rejecting a slightly larger $760 million, 16-year offer from the Yankees. Judge, speaking after his team’s first full-squad workout of the year, acknowledged Soto’s decision but firmly disagreed with his assessment. “That’s his opinion. He can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him,” Judge said. He added, “He’s going to be in a great spot. It’s going to be great having him in the town. We’re going to be battling back and forth for quite a few years.”
Judge’s Perspective on Soto’s Move
Judge, who hit third behind Soto last season, described Soto as "one of a kind" and "a special player." The change in Soto’s phone number meant Judge couldn’t reach out to him until after the decision was made. Despite the significant loss, Judge remained understanding. “I wasn’t too surprised by it. I think that’s where he wanted to be. I think that’s where’s best for him and his family,” he said. “He got a pretty nice deal over there. I mean, you can’t say no to that. But I’m happy for you.” This sentiment reflects Judge’s respect for Soto’s choices and his focus on moving forward with his own team. The Yankees, who reached the World Series for the first time since 2009, are determined to bounce back after their five-game loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Bitter Taste of Last Year’s World Series
The Yankees’ journey to the World Series was impressive, but the loss was particularly painful. In Game 5, Judge committed his first error of the year, dropping a routine fly ball to center field, which contributed to the Yankees blowing a 5-0 lead and being eliminated with a 7-6 loss. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly noted that his team had anticipated defensive mistakes from the Yankees. Judge addressed this head-on, saying, “We heard that, but there’s nothing you can do besides you have to beat them. They won. They can say whatever they want. So if you don’t like it, you got to play better.” This resilient attitude is emblematic of Judge’s leadership and the Yankees’ collective determination to improve and succeed in the upcoming season.
New Roles and New Challenges
The offseason trade that brought Cody Bellinger to the Yankees has shifted Judge’s primary position to right field. Last year, Judge was mostly in center field, and the change represents both a new challenge and an opportunity to mentor a promising young player. Judge, who will turn 33 on April 26, is coming off a season where he won his second AL MVP award in three years, leading the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs, and 133 walks. He hit .322 as the Yankees made their World Series run. Judge’s experience and leadership will be crucial in helping the team adapt to the new lineup and defensive strategies.
Family Motivation and Personal Growth
Judge’s personal life has also seen a significant change. His wife, Samantha Bracksieck, gave birth to their first child, Nora Rose Judge, on January 27. This new chapter is not only a source of joy but also motivation for Judge. “Having the chance to have her grow up and watch me do what I love, if there’s any way I can inspire her through playing this game to do something special, that’s that’s going to be pretty cool,” he said. Judge also acknowledged the added pressure of being a role model for his daughter, especially as he enters his 30s. “I’m getting older. I don’t want to be the old man here in a couple of years, so I got to stay on top of my game. So she’s definitely going to motivate me, definitely keep me on my toes. And it’s going to be a fun couple of years, that’s for sure.”
Jasson Domínguez: The Rookie with High Hopes
Joining the Yankees in their major league camp is 22-year-old rookie Jasson Domínguez, who found his locker between Judge’s and Bellinger’s. “I was kind of surprised,” Domínguez said, “But I think it’s a good thing to be in that group and be able to learn from them.” Domínguez struggled during his 13 left field appearances last season, hitting .109 right-handed and .216 left-handed. However, he has been diligently working on his defensive routes at the minor league complex before reporting to camp. Manager Aaron Boone offered some encouraging words, “He’s really young and he’s not real experienced. Over time I think he’s going to be a real factor from both sides of the plate.” Domínguez’s potential and the support from his teammates, especially Judge, highlight the Yankees’ commitment to developing their young talent.
Embracing the Pressure and Moving Forward
The pressure of performing at a high level and living up to expectations is a double-edged sword, but the Yankees are viewing it positively. Judge’s experience and leadership, coupled with the addition of Bellinger and the continued development of players like Domínguez, position the team well for the upcoming season. “The pressure is there, but I feel like it’s a good thing to have," Domínguez said. “It’s motivation to get better, to be the player that everyone expects me to be.” The Yankees are determined to use the bitter taste of last year’s World Series loss as fuel to propel them to new heights. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, the team is poised to make a strong run in 2023.
