By all accounts, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto’s one-year partnership was productive and drama-free, even if the latter opted not to re-up with the New York Yankees last winter.
A thrilling 2024 Yankees season featured no shortage of celebrations and smiles between Judge and Soto, who combined for 99 home runs, 253 RBI, and 18.7 bWAR. The two repeatedly praised one another during the Bombers’ pennant run, and Judge insisted during spring training that they were still friends despite Soto joining the crosstown Mets.
WFAN (NY) radio host and devoted Yankees fan Keith McPherson doesn’t believe it, especially not after last weekend’s Subway Series.
“Guarantee you Judge does not rock with this guy,” McPherson declared in an X/Twitter video.
Specifically, McPherson argued that the interactions between Judge and Soto during the three-game set at Yankee Stadium were “pretend.”
“Their philosophies are just different,” McPherson said. “They’re just different [kinds] of guys.
“Judge is always about the team,” McPherson continued. “Juan Soto wasn’t about the team.”
McPherson subsequently blasted Soto for signing a record-setting 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets rather than stay in pinstripes. Conversely, Judge inked a nine-year, $360 million extension in December 2022 and, given his status as the 33-year-old Yankees captain, will likely finish his career in the Bronx.
McPherson also cited Yankees reporter Bob Klapisch’s Monday story that the Mets are “concerned” about Soto’s “lack of enthusiasm.” The four-time All-Star entered Tuesday hitting .246 with eight home runs, a career-worst .815 OPS, and 1.6 bWAR for the second-place Mets.
Soto turned heads after failing to speak with reporters following Sunday’s loss to the Yankees. He drew further controversy on Monday night against the Red Sox for not hustling on a ball that hit the Green Monster.
“How come Juan didn’t want to hold court after ‘Sunday Night Baseball?’” McPherson asked. “Yeah, you’re feeling some type of way.”
