"Aaron Judge has made Juan Soto better" - Ex-Yankees coach believes team captain's presence reason for Dominican superstar's incredible 2024 season

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto formed a dynamic duo all year long for the New York Yankees and at one point were single-handedly carrying the team's offense. With Soto's upcoming free agency, there is chatter about whether his MVP-caliber numbers this season are due to his place in the lineup in front of Judge.

On Wednesday's episode his "The Mayor's Office with Sean Casey," Casey and co-host Rich Ciancimino were joined by former MLB analyst and outfielder Eric Byrnes. Byrnes discussed Soto's free agency and compared it to Shohei Ohtani's. He pointed out that while Ohtani's mega contract was a result of his impact on the Japanese market, Soto has yet to have a similar impact outside the baseball field.

"The Ohtani one, it changed the game because of the fact that he is an international superstar," Byrnes said (14:12). "You are not just bringing in him, you're bringing in an entire Japanese fanbase what we experienced with Ichiro which is so next level. But the Soto thing, I think as far as like a hitter going on the market... but what sort of impact does he have outside of baseball, does that warrant the extra amount of million per season."

Casey added that one of the reasons that Soto's stock has grown is because of his 2024 season, especially batting ahead of Aaron Judge.

"I do think that Aaron Judge has made Juan Soto look that much better," Casey said. "Soto has had some great years, no doubt about it but this year has been different because Judgy has hit behind him all year."

MLB insider projects $622 million contract for Juan Soto

Jim Bowden of The Athletic projected that Soto will attract a contract of over $600 million. He also said that the duration will be around 15 years which will lock him up to the club until age 40.

"By all indications, he’s poised to become the second-highest-paid player in baseball history, behind only Shohei Ohtani," Bowden wrote on Wednesday. "He’s a generational talent who will hit free agency at only 26 and should be able to land a 15-year deal."

Bowden also listed both New York teams, the Phillies, Rangers and Nationals as the only clubs capable of pursuing Soto for the blockbuster deal.