Juan Soto Opens Up on Rejecting $440 Million Contract, Lauds Aaron Judge’s Self Belief

Aaron Judge’s historic bet on himself has always bewildered fans. How could a man reject a pretty good offer and then go on to have a legendary season in his walk year? That’s something that only mythological figures do. But then All Rise’s bet on himself completely changed the game. He ended up signing a record $360 million deal and that paved the path for similar steps. Juan Soto is one of those who has taken a similar step.

However, what separates Soto from others is that his risk is even bigger than Judge’s. Interestingly both of them decided to bet on themselves in the same year – 2022. But Soto rejected a humongous $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals! The act was so mind-boggling it nearly broke the Nats’ fanbase. But then if one believes Soto – it was a necessary step for baseball.

Juan Soto talks about the Nats deal and how Aaron Judge inspires him 

The Athletic’s report talked about Juan Soto’s huge bet on himself in 2022. When they asked Soto whether he regretted letting go of that huge contract, Soto was clear in his stance – it was important for baseball that he reject the offer. Pointing at his Yankees teammate Aaron Judge, Soto said “You cannot be selfish. You have to think about the guys who come in behind you. That’s what Judge did (in opting to test free agency). He made a great deal.” 

Soto noted that Corey Seager and Shohei Ohtani too did something similar. They opted for free agency and signed huge deals. In a way, this helped future baseball players because these deals set the market in which these young stars would operate. Simply put, these mega deals in the long term increase the salary of everyone around them.

As a result, as Soto said “And if I were to take anything down there (with what the Nats offered) it would make it different, tougher for guys coming up.” But clearly, it seems Judge’s precedent has affected the Dominican star’s point of view. After all, Judge’s record-breaking deal was a giant proof that such bets can work. However, what type of deal is Soto looking at? The article shed light on that as well.

High AAV or High overall value? What is the Childish Bambino’s dream?

According to The Athletic’s source, it seems that Soto is aiming for something that is quite different from Shohei Ohtani. Unlike Shotime who deferred a huge amount of his deal, Soto will probably pocket all of it immediately. “He’s got big eyes. I think he’s after the AAV (average annual value) Ohtani has, without the deferrals,” said the source. 

The fact that Soto will be just 26 when hitting the free agency is quite an unprecedented situation. Rarely does a player as talented as he hit that market at such a young age. That’s why interest is high in this Yankees star’s free agency. After all, if Judge’s bet on himself proved to be game-changing, one can only imagine what Soto’s bet would look like.

Read more: Who Are Scott Boras’ Walk Year Stars Ahead of 2025’s Blockbuster Free Agency?