Soto has always credited Judge. When the Yankees first acquired him in a trade from the San Diego Padres, Soto called Judge the best hitter in the game and said he couldn’t wait to hit next to him. After a year of watching Judge up close and benefitting from his presence behind him in the lineup, it’s clear that appreciation has only grown.

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto told Mike Puma of the New York Post that he was "pitched differently last year," when he was with the New York Yankees and had two-time American League MVP Aaron Judge hitting behind him.

MLB player prop bets and odds for Juan Soto on Thursday, April 17, 2025, as the New York Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals.