Aaron Judge Shares Secret Behind Juan Soto's Yankee Success

BRONX, NY - Aaron Judge, the powerhouse of the New York Yankees, has claimed responsibility for the success of Juan Soto during his tenure with the Yankees last season. This comes in light of Soto's recent statement where he expressed that his new team, the New York Mest, provides him the "best chance" to win over the next 15 years.

Judge, in his usual composed and insightful manner, shared a quote that has now become the talk of the town: "I know I have a big shadow but I always made sure the light shined on Juan." This statement paints a picture of mentorship and camaraderie that Judge provided during their time together.

Diving deeper into this mentor-mentee relationship, Judge provided several examples of how he "showed Juan the ropes" on being a winning Yankee during their run-up to the 2024 World Finals. Here are a few instances where Judge's guidance was pivotal:

1. Fielding Mastery: During spring training in 2024, Judge was often seen working one-on-one with Soto in the outfield. He emphasized the importance of reading the ball off the bat, something Soto struggled with initially due to the difference in stadium dimensions. Judge's detailed drills and his own exemplary fielding skills helped Soto adapt quickly, resulting in several game-saving catches during the regular season.

   
   

2. Batting Approach: Judge is known for his disciplined approach at the plate, and he passed this knowledge onto Soto. In numerous batting practice sessions, Judge would break down pitchers' tendencies, showing Soto how to anticipate pitches. This was evident in a crucial game against the Boston Red Sox where Soto, following Judge's advice, laid off several borderline pitches, leading to a walk that set up a game-winning rally.

   
   

3. Leadership and Team Dynamics: Understanding the pressure of playing in New York, Judge took Soto under his wing, teaching him about handling the media and the high expectations of Yankee fans. During a tense series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Soto seemed overwhelmed, but Judge's calm demeanor and his pep talks before games helped Soto maintain his composure, leading to clutch hits that turned the series in the Yankees' favor.

   
   

4. Postseason Preparation: As the Yankees geared up for the 2024 World Finals, Judge's experience was invaluable. He shared insights on preparing for different teams' strategies, focusing on mental toughness. Soto, who had limited postseason experience before joining the Yankees, benefited greatly from this, showing up big in the ALCS with a .350 batting average and crucial RBIs, propelling the Yankees to the World Finals.

   
   

Judge's mentorship did not just stop at technical skills; it was about instilling the winning culture of the Yankees. His approach was not to overshadow Soto but to uplift him, ensuring that while Judge's presence was significant, Soto's talents were highlighted and nurtured.

While Soto has now moved to the dreaded Mest, aiming for long-term success, the foundation laid by Judge during their time together at the Yankees will undoubtedly influence Soto's career trajectory. Judge's statement, though seemingly a playful nod to his stature in the game, underscores a genuine effort to ensure Soto's light shone bright during their shared journey towards baseball greatness.

As we look forward to seeing how Soto's career unfolds with Mest, it's clear that the lessons from Aaron Judge will continue to resonate in his game. The baseball community will watch with keen interest as Soto aims to validate his claim of having the "best chance" with his new team, carrying forward the legacy of excellence imparted by one of the game's finest.