The New York Yankees have seen a lot of change since the last time they faced their crosstown rival New York Mets.
Since the last Subway Series in July 2024, the Yankees have been to another Fall Classic, gained players like Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried and lost several others.
Most notably, the Yankees have lost superstar slugger Juan Soto since they last faced the Mets. And, incidentally, the Mets have gained him.
That change has been a strong focus for the media heading into the Yankees’ upcoming series with the Mets and it was an opportunity for the Yankees franchise slugger Aaron Judge to reflect on Soto’s free agency choice.
In a new interview with the New York Post’s Greg Joyce, Judge noted that he made an attempt to keep Soto in pinstripes but was also respectful of the personal choice his former teammate was making.
“I tried to do my part, but for the most part let him make his decision,” Judge said. “Because a couple of words that I say aren’t going to make a big decision for what you think is best for you and your family.”
Judge has responded well to the loss of Soto, getting off to the best start of his career. He currently leads all Major League Baseball hitters in total hits, home runs and RBI, with an insane .412/.497/.782 slash line.
Meanwhile, Soto has had a slower start with his new team, slashing just .255/.380/.465.
Ultimately, both players will be happiest if their team wins the upcoming rivalry series. After being swept by the Mets last year, the Yankees are hoping that the loss of Soto won’t translate into another loss to their New York rival.
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