Yankees Captain Aaron Judge Has Some Sharp Words For Ex-Teammate Juan Soto

The New York Mets: A Team Built on Resilience andHope

The New York Mets, often referred to as the "Amazin’ Mets," have been a part of Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1962, making 2025 their 63rd season in the league. Over the years, the Mets have carved out a unique identity for themselves, blending heartbreaking losses with triumphant victories. The team has won the National League pennant five times and has claimed the World Series title twice. Despite not always being at the top of the standings, the Mets have built a loyal fanbase that continues to rally behind them, no matter the odds. Their story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of a team that has often been seen as the underdog in New York City’s baseball landscape.

The New York Yankees: A Legacy of Excellence and Tradition

The New York Yankees, on the other hand, are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Established in 1903, the Yankees were originally known as the New York Highlanders, a name that reflected their early days playing in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The team’s home at the time, Hilltop Park, was aptly named for its location on the tallest hill in Manhattan. In 1913, the Highlanders moved to a flatter area of Washington Heights and began sharing the Polo Grounds with the New York Giants, marking the end of the "Highlanders" era and the birth of the New York Yankees. By 1923, the Yankees had made another significant move, this time to the Bronx, where they would establish their iconic home, Yankee Stadium. This move coincided with the acquisition of legendary player George "Babe" Ruth, who would become a central figure in the Yankees’ rise to prominence.

The Yankees’ Dominance in MLB

Since their move to the Bronx, the Yankees have become the most successful franchise in MLB history. With an unprecedented 27 World Series championships and 41 appearances in the Fall Classic, the Yankees have set a standard of excellence that few teams can match. Their dominance is not just about the numbers; it’s about the legacy of greatness that has been passed down through generations of players, managers, and fans. The Yankees have achieved feats that other teams can only dream of, including winning four World Series in a row—something they have accomplished twice, most notably during a remarkable run of five consecutive championships starting in 1949. The Yankees’ success is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and thrive over the years.

The Recent Rivalry: Juan Soto and Aaron Judge

In recent years, the rivalry between the Mets and the Yankees has been reignited, thanks in part to the high-profile move of star player Juan Soto. Soto, who played only one season for the Yankees in 2024, made headlines when he signed a 15-year, $765 million free agent contract with the Mets. When Soto declared in December that he chose the Mets because they "have the best chance to win," the statement sent shockwaves across the baseball world, particularly in the Bronx. The reaction was immediate, with many Yankees fans expressing disbelief and even betrayal. The situation became even more intriguing when Yankees captain Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP, weighed in on the matter during his first public statements of spring training.

Aaron Judge’s Response to Juan Soto’s Comments

Aaron Judge, widely regarded as one of the nicest and most respected players in MLB, offered a measured response to Soto’s comments. In a video posted to X by SNY, Judge stated, "That’s his opinion. He can say what he wants, I definitely disagree with it. I wasn’t too surprised by it, I think that’s where he wanted to be." Judge, known for his class and sportsmanship, was quick to add that he held no ill will toward his former teammate, saying, "I’m happy for him." Judge’s comments reflect the professionalism and grace that have come to define his career, but they also hint at a deeper underlying tension between the two teams. The Soto-Judge drama is far from over, as the story will continue to unfold when Soto makes his return to Yankee Stadium on May 16, 2025, for the first of six games between the Mets and Yankees.

The Future of the Mets-Yankees Rivalry

The upcoming games between the Mets and Yankees in 2025 promise to be some of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season. With the addition of Juan Soto to the Mets’ roster, the team is looking to make a strong push for a championship, and their confidence is evident. Meanwhile, the Yankees, led by Aaron Judge, are determined to prove that they remain the dominant force in New York baseball. The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees is more than just a series of games; it’s a clash of histories, cultures, and ideologies. For the Mets, it’s about proving that they can compete with the best of the best and bring a championship to Queens. For the Yankees, it’s about maintaining their legacy of excellence and showing that they are still the team to beat in the Bronx. As the 2025 season gets underway, one thing is certain: the Mets-Yankees rivalry is as alive as ever, and the drama will continue to unfold in ways that no one can predict.