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Stephen A. Smith Sends Aaron Judge Clear Message Amid Juan Soto News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 22, 2025 9:56 AM ET

If you had any doubt that New York Mets star Juan Soto’s recent hustling controversies are a big deal, consider that he spent time as a “First Take” talking point on Wednesday morning.

Yes, you read that correctly. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took time away from discussing the NBA playoffs and LeBron James’ legacy to tackle the Soto situation, one involving a .243 average and accusations the New York Mets superstar is already disengaged after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract.

Smith quickly made it clear he not only has Soto’s back, but that he’s more concerned about New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge. Never mind that Judge, already a two-time AL MVP, entered Thursday hitting .402 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI, and an MLB-best 3.8 bWAR.

“As much as I love me some Aaron Judge, I need Aaron Judge to show up like that in the postseason,” Smith told Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

“I know Juan Soto will,” Smith continued, “and I’m not worried about him in the slightest.”

Smith isn’t entirely wrong about Judge’s postseason struggles. Although the Yankees captain has hit 16 playoff home runs, he also owns a .205 average and .768 OPS in those 58 games.

Judge hit .185 with three homers and a .752 OPS over 64 postseason plate appearances last year, well below his regular-season career .293 average and 1.022 OPS.

Conversely, Soto hit .327 with four homers, nine RBI, and a 1.101 OPS during the Yankees’ 2024 World Series run. The five-time Silver Slugger was among the Yankees’ most consistent bats as the Bombers captured their first pennant since 2009.

“When it really, really counts, that brother is someone you can count on showing up,” Smith said. “I’m hoping I’m going to be able to say that about Judge and the Yankees.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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