New York Yankees rumors: Juan Soto as Aaron Judge replacement
A dream outfield for New York Yankees fans would involve Juan Soto and Aaron Judge flanking a competent center fielder for years to come. That scenario may not end up being the case.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Yankees are eyeing Soto in trade talks. However, if they do land the Nationals’ outfield, that would likely mean that Judge leaves during the offseason as the Yankees would not be able to afford both players.
New York Yankees could gamble on Juan Soto over Aaron Judge
On paper, such a move would make sense. Soto is one of the best players in the game, seven years younger, and has a better track record of health than Judge does. He would also add another left handed bat to the lineup, giving the Yankees a viable option to add to Anthony Rizzo and Matt Carpenter for this season.
But there are aspects of the game that cannot be tangibly measured. Judge is a fan favorite and has proven to be able to handle the same pressures of New York. His powerful bat has been a game changer in their lineup while his MVP caliber season is helping to propel the Yankees into the postseason.
On paper, Soto is the better investment. He is just 23 years old and has yet to enter his prime. His already impressive resume is likely to get even stronger in the coming years, making any extension or eventual free agent contract a bargain. That is especially the case as Soto has repetitively said he is more interested in staying with a team that is looking to win.
Any extension or trade for Soto is going to be costly. The prospect cost alone is going to be astronomical, not to say anything about a future extension. If the Yankees end up emerging as the winners of the Juan Soto Sweepatakes, that victory could cost them their incumbent star outfielder.
Next. What would Juan Soto cost the Yankees in trade?. dark
The New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing Juan Soto. Such a move could mean that Aaron Judge ends up playing elsewhere in 2023.