Stephen A. Smith: Aaron Judge Is a Stud, But Juan Soto Is the Key to Yankees Winning a World Championship

It’s hard to explain how big Juan Soto’s impact has been on the New York Yankees. Especially because during Soto’s debut year in Pinstripes, the captain Aaron Judge decided to put up historic numbers. So, with the Bronx Bombers holding the best record in the league right now, one wonders what roles Soto played. Interestingly, famous broadcaster Stephen A. Smith has a simple answer for it.

Recently, Stephen A. Smith had a little contentious relationship with baseball fans. His frustrations at Mike Trout’s continuous injury brought him into many longtime fans’ crosshairs. However, this time, Smith didn’t say anything controversial. If anything, he enjoyed his Yankees fandom and shared how Soto was the “key” to the Pinstripes’ success.

“I’m taking Judge for granted, I know what he’d going to do,” Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN, adding, “I know what he’s done and what it’s led to for the New York Yankees, which is anything but a World Series Championship. Soto is the key…what this man is bringing to the table coming out from the Padres doing what he’s doing approaching free agency.” 

Though Smith called Aaron Judge a “stud”, he noted how things are different this year. The Yankees had Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole before, but they couldn’t get over the hump. But this year, after Juan Soto’s arrival, it looks like they’ve found the final piece of the puzzle. “It’s about to happen this year. Yankees going to win it all (due to) Soto. And then that man is gonna sign a $500-$600 million deal!” Smith said. 

Certainly, Stephen A. Smith looks extremely excited about the Yankees’ prospect. But are they seriously so dependent on Soto? The past few days may have answered that question.

How crucial Juan Soto is proving to be for the Yankees

Though lumping everything on Juan Soto might be wrong, the Yankees’ lineup has improved since his arrival. One could understand his importance during the Los Angeles Dodgers series where Soto was absent. The Yankees’ bats weren’t working as well as one had hoped. There was a clear lack of balance in the team without the consistency of Soto’s bat. However, the same can be said about Judge, too.

The New York Yankees won’t be the same without Aaron Judge. Perhaps that’s why the real hero of the Yankees this season isn’t any one player but the whole collective. From Anthony Volpe’s brilliant leadoff performances to Alex Verdugo’s amazing cleanup jobs, the Bronx Bombers’ lineup looks fuller than ever. And that is an ominous sign for its rivals.

What’s your take on Juan Soto’s role in the New York Yankees? Share your thoughts in the comments.