Captain America knows when to say what and keep the peace. But his former teammate? It looks like no! Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have played some fantastic innings for the Yankees. But Soto seemed to have failed to learn an important lesson from Judge – avoid the controversies!
The slugger is now with the Mets – love it or hate it, it’s time for him to realize that the team’s focus is on him, unlike the Yankees when Judge used to handle that pressure. Soto casually shared that hitting in pinstripes was easier, “I had the best hitter in baseball hitting behind me. I was getting more attacked and more pitches in the strike zone, less intentional walks and things like that. I was pitched differently last year.”
And that immediately raised some eyebrows. On the plate, he was with the number 99. Every pitcher knows the power-hitting capability of Aaron Judge and how essential it is to send him back to keep the game in control. Of course, that made things easy for Soto. But in Queens, the dynamics have changed.
Following Soto’s comments, the baseball community watched with bated breath for the reaction of the man at the center. And it was all Aaron Judge-y. “I’m not going to go back-and-forth with this …. He’s got one of the best hitters in the game hitting behind him in Alonso.” Yes, Judge provides entertainment on the field with his bat, not through statements.
Judge on Soto: “ I’m not going to go back-and-forth with this …. He’s got one of the best hitters in the game hitting behind him in Alonso”. #RepBX
— Danielle McCartan from WFAN (@CoachMcCartan) April 15, 2025
In contrast, for Soto, having Aaron Judge behind him meant pitchers couldn’t afford to be overly aggressive. Because of his reputation as a strong hitter, pitchers probably offered Soto more hittable balls, knowing that confronting Judge could cause a disastrous scenario. But that didn’t stop Aaron Judge from appreciating Alonso’s performance.
“It has been fun to watch. He’s hitting close to .400. He’s driving the ball all over the field, driving guys in.”
Looking at the past, Soto played briefly for the New York Yankees before joining the Mets, but did a good job. After moving to New York in 2024, the Dominican baseball player assembled a strong team with Aaron Judge. By putting Soto in the order, Judge was protected during this time, which let him see more pitches in the strike zone. Aaron Judge and Soto’s on-base skills worked together to make a potent offensive force. They respected each other and always wanted to do well, which made it a special time for the team and both the athletes.
Just like Judge’s presence used to change how pitchers approached Soto, his current place in the lineup with the Mets’ $54 million star changes how things work. Pete Alonso, a power and consistency-oriented slugger, is a prominent roster member of the NYM. Alonso’s inclusion in the lineup offers protection to Soto.
True that the dynamics are different. And Soto might require some time to fit the new surroundings. But we cannot wait for him to adjust and align in the upcoming games…
From Bronx Bombers to Queens: The evolution of Juan Soto’s partnership
A new team and a new partnership. Pete Alonso and Juan Soto are leading the charge in the New York Mets’ lineup in 2025. A potent mix of force and accuracy.
Renowned for his explosive ability, Alonso is expected to score 36 home runs this season, adding 262 to his career total. Entering his first full season with the Mets, Soto is expected to hit 35 home runs. With a single swing, they together rank among baseball’s most effective power duels, able to turn the tide of a game.
The Mets’ offensive output will likely be much improved by the synergy between Alonso and Soto. The pair is set to drive in significant runs with the #22’s ability to get on base and #20’s force. With Soto and Francisco Lindor on base ahead of Alonso, Mets veteran Ron Darling sees a breakout season for him, indicating he may drive in 150 runs this year. This dynamic alliance improves the Mets’ lineup and offers a strategic advantage in highly leveraged scenarios.
Moreover, the lineup’s inclusion of Alonso and Soto influences opposing pitchers’ approaches. Navigating a lineup where both Soto’s on-base ability and Alonso’s power can instantly alter the game is difficult for pitchers now. The pressure to produce more favorable pitches for other batters in the lineup will help the team have a higher overall offensive output. The Alonso-Soto combo is evidence of the Mets’ dedication to compiling a roster capable of contesting a title.
And now, as we wait for the Mets’ three-game series against the Yankees from May 16 to May 18, 2025, the Alonso-Soto dynamic will be experienced up close. Are you excited?
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