As the captain of the New York Yankees and reigning unanimous American League MVP , Aaron Judge deserves the highest paycheck on the team. But the power-hitting outfielder would gladly relinquish that honor if it means his team improves.
When asked about the possibility of the Yankees bringing Juan Soto back on a contract that dwarfs his own, Judge declared the pay discrepancy a non-issue.
“Honestly, it ain’t my money,” Judge told Newsday reporter David Lennon. “I really don’t care. As long as we get the best players.”
Judge’s lack of concern over compensation is typical of his selfless public-facing image. Also, his words demonstrate acute self-awareness.
Coming off a postseason in which he hit a lowly .184/.344/.408 and had 11 more strikeouts (20) than hits (nine), Judge is in no position to demand superstar treatment. He knows he needs help to finally break the Yankees’ championship slump, and Soto is a proven sidekick.
While Judge struggled in the playoffs, Soto shone. He slashed a torpid .327/.469/.633, delivering massive hits — such as the three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning of ALCS Game 5 that sent the Bombers to the 2024 World Series.
So, Judge is right. The Yankees should give Soto whatever he wants, and then continue working the free agent and trade markets.
The only way to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers at this point is to fight money with money. And if any team is capable of plugging holes with cash, it’s the Yankees.