Juan Soto and Aaron Judge were known as the modern Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Together, they hit nearly a century of home runs, 99 to be precise, and this number is a testament to the duo’s power. But then, Soto left for the lights in Queens rather than staying in the Bronx, and it’s not like the Yankees and Steinbrenner didn’t try to keep him. They offered Soto $760 million, but Steve Cohen had offered more than that, plus the perks—a suite, security, free tickets, the list goes on.

Fans were mostly mad that Soto didn’t remain loyal. Even though it was just one year of him being in pinstripes, they expected more, but that was a month ago. Now, the narrative has quickly changed, with many saying that the Yankees dodged a bullet with Juan Soto, given the team could sign other key pieces with the money. Also, some pointed out that Judge, anyway, is the best and can hold the team, but not everyone thinks he’s the best!

Reign of Juan Soto in New York? 

While there’s no doubt that in New York, Judge is the one basking in the glow, it might seem like the winds are shifting. During a recent segment, Sal Licata of SportsNet New York made one thing clear: if you are building a team in 2025, Soto is the best pick for it. In fact, Licata unapologetically pitched Soto as “the best player I’ve ever seen.” But he didn’t give empty statements, backing his claim with reasons he feels Soto has an edge—age and durability. Sal also mentioned that at some point in their thirties, players’ performance starts to decline: “You know about Judge and his big body; he’s going to be 33 this year.” 

Licata further highlighted that Judge has had several injuries too. Now, Juan Soto has just turned 26 and boasts a packed resume with one clutch performance in New York under those bright lights. His World Series heroics this time around, though they didn’t end up fruitful, were stellar. “Juan Soto has the biggest guts of any player I’ve ever seen. He’s unafraid and unintimidated by anything,” Licata added, and it’s not just him making a case for the Dominican.

On the Foul Territory podcast, host Erik Kratz also made a case for Soto, saying that Soto will exceed his projected 2025 home run total of 34.5. And even Kratz stressed his age, “He’s 26, and your prime is 28 to 32. This is my lock for the year.” The host even mentioned that Soto could adjust his play—he did so with the Yankees and got them to the WS. So, he could do the same in the Mets without a doubt.

Now, Judge, no doubt, has the best numbers, not just when compared to Soto but with Ohtani, too. But it seems like the reign of Soto might be starting soon.

The Yankees building a stacked roster minus Soto

The New York Yankees seemed hurt after what the Juan Soto deal was like. Hal Steinbrenner didn’t appreciate Soto’s demand for a suite, confused as to why he could not buy a suite when they were giving a $760 million contract; after all, not even Judge or the past legends were given such perks. Then, the team moved on rather quickly and signed big names like Max Fried, the pitcher, and closer Devin Williams. Subsequently, the Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, but they are not done yet!

The next name on the list, unlike popular belief, might not be Alex Bregman. It seems like the Yankee’s attention has shifted to Jurickson Profar. He is a versatile star, and they seem to be offering him $25 million for two seasons. Now, Profar’s popularity has been high, more so after his 2024 season—he hit .280 and smashed 24 home runs with an OPS of .839 for the San Diego Padres. Plus, his on-clutch plays for the Curacao Suns in the Caribbean Series were also a highlight point.

So, if Jurickon Profar joins the Yankees, he would add depth and firepower to the lineup alongside Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. While the NY Mets have spent the most money, the highest in MLB, at approx. $919 million, the Yankees are taking a more calculated approach—they want the best squad without breaking the bank, and many say their lineup is looking good right now.

Now, whether the Yankees can manage without Soto and break their 2009 dry spell remains to be seen. What do you think will happen? Share with us below.