“I am better than Juan Soto ” new York Yankees outfielder says

Yankees’ $360 million star could be team’s best closer in Juan Soto negotiations imageKamil Krzaczynski

Maybe Aaron Judge’s best role is actually a closer.

The New York Yankees captain and outfielder is the “edge” the team has in their pursuit of superstar free agent Juan Soto, New York Post columnist Jon Heyman reported.

‘Proud’ Benzema calls time on international career with France

“Yankees’ edge in Soto derby all things being equal* is Aaron Judge: 1) Judge said from the start he didn’t mind/care if Soto makes more $ (Soto may get double Judge!), and 2) word is Soto loves Judge behind him in lineup and as leader in clubhouse. (*bidding may not be over),” Heyman wrote on X on the eve of the MLB Winter Meetings officially opening.

Judge had been chastised by several former players for his approach, or lack of approach, in getting Soto back in the Bronx. When he accepted his American League Most Valuable Player award, Judge admitted he had not talked to Soto since the end of the season.

Maybe the Yankees can use Judge as that last-minute call to close the deal – as Heyman reports the bidding may not be over.

Soto certainly benefitted by playing with Judge and the Yankees. He had a career-high 41 home runs, a 178 OPS+, and a 7.9 WAR while still maintaining a .418 on-base percentage last season. He was a finalist for the Al MVP award and helped the Yankees get back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

The Yankees are believed to be in a bidding war with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers for Soto. The contract is expected to go past theNew York Yankees Logo

Yankees’ $360 million star could be team’s best closer in Juan Soto negotiations

Yankees’ $360 million star could be team’s best closer in Juan Soto negotiations imageKamil Krzaczynski

Maybe Aaron Judge’s best role is actually a closer.

The New York Yankees captain and outfielder is the “edge” the team has in their pursuit of superstar free agent Juan Soto, New York Post columnist Jon Heyman reported.

‘Proud’ Benzema calls time on international career with France

“Yankees’ edge in Soto derby all things being equal* is Aaron Judge: 1) Judge said from the start he didn’t mind/care if Soto makes more $ (Soto may get double Judge!), and 2) word is Soto loves Judge behind him in lineup and as leader in clubhouse. (*bidding may not be over),” Heyman wrote on X on the eve of the MLB Winter Meetings officially opening.

Judge had been chastised by several former players for his approach, or lack of approach, in getting Soto back in the Bronx. When he accepted his American League Most Valuable Player award, Judge admitted he had not talked to Soto since the end of the season.

Maybe the Yankees can use Judge as that last-minute call to close the deal – as Heyman reports the bidding may not be over.

Soto certainly benefitted by playing with Judge and the Yankees. He had a career-high 41 home runs, a 178 OPS+, and a 7.9 WAR while still maintaining a .418 on-base percentage last season. He was a finalist for the Al MVP award and helped the Yankees get back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

The Yankees are believed to be in a bidding war with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers for Soto. The contract is expected to go past the previous MLB record set by Shohei Ohtani of $700 million just a year ago.  previous MLB record set by Shohei Ohtani of $700 million just a year ago.  previous MLB record set by Shohei Ohtani of $700 million just a year ago.