"Aaron Judge didn't have that luxury" - Sportscaster singles out factor to reason Juan Soto’s $405,000,000 valuation over Yankees captain

Despite forming a formidable partnership with Aaron Judge last year, Juan Soto was convinced to join the New York Mets on a record-breaking, $765 million contract.

At the end of the 2022 season, Judge had also entered free agency but chose to remain with the New York Yankees despite better offers from other teams. On The Michael Kay Show, host Michael Kay explained why Soto got a bigger deal that Judge (14:56 - 16:22)

"Think about this, 9 years $360 million. When that deal took place we all gasped, it's a bargain. $40 million a year compared to what Soto is making with the Mets. I know people don't want to hear this, the only side of the argument you have is this: age. Aaron Judge is a better player than Juan Soto in every way, shape and form. There's no denying it.

"But it's all about timing. Judge went to college, which means he got a later start on his pro career, which means he got a later start on his free agency so he became a free agent at a later age. Soto's big bargaining chip was... he became a free agent at 26. Judge didn't have that luxury, better player though. That's why I think that deal is going to age better for the Yankees than the deal will for the Mets."

Aaron Judge was originally selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 2010 MLB Draft (at 18 years of age) but instead chose to attend college for the next three years.

After college, he was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2013 and has since grown into one of the best sluggers in the game. Over the years, he chose to show loyalty to the Yankees instead of looking for more money elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent at 17. He soon grew to be one of the most exciting young talents in the major leagues, which drove his value even higher. Hence, while he may not have reached the same heigts as Judge on the field, his value on the market is much higher that anyone else.

---

Yankees prospect Spencer Jones eager to learn from Aaron Judge after rough year in minors

New York Yankees prospect Spencer Jones drew comparisons with Aaron Judge last spring due to his size and power hitting.

However, the youngster went on to have a disastrous season in the minors. On the YES Network recently, Jones spoke about his plans for the coming year:

"He's, you know, an incredible hitter... I'm excited to get to work with him this spring."

Jones recorded a .259 average with 17 home runs and 78 RBI in 122 games last season in the minors.

He also became the first Yankee to be struck out 200 times in the minors. Hence, he's eager to put last season behind him and learn as much as he can to improve this year.