Aaron Judge Makes Opinion of Juan Soto Clear After Yankees-Mets Series

"This is where I always wanted to be, especially after getting drafted here," Judge told Nightengale within the exclusive interview. "This is my home. But if I was to look back, and would have signed with the [San Diego] Padres or signed with the [San Francisco] Giants, it could be a little different."

That's when the brief but notable comment about the New York Mets superstar and ex-teammate came up.

"I might have been getting booed like Soto," Judge added, "so I'm happy with my decision."

The Yankees slugger went on to explain that "for me, it was all about getting a fair deal for what I thought I was worth, while still putting the team in a good position to sign who we need to."

That answer, not to mention his elite bat, is the major reason that Yankees fans will never turn on their new captain, Judge. And by comparison, it's the same reason Soto was met with a contemptuous greeting from the Bronx faithful during the initial Subway Series of 2025.

While Judge was willing to take less money and a "fair deal" to continue donning the Pinstripes, Soto took the most money, joining the cross-town rival Mets.

"I never wanted to be a guy that was a liability," Judge told Nightengale. "The contract that I signed, I wanted to be a guy that helps this team win all the way until the last year. ... I'll try to make adjustments and put myself up there as one of the better players that helps this team win."