“Juan’s definitely got my vote" - Aaron Judge makes early shout-out for Juan Soto's MVP bid, hails Yankees teammate as offensive engine
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge continued his incredible hitting streak with a solo home run in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Despite his league-leading 26th home run of the season, the Yankees suffered a 9-3 loss, conceding the three-game series to their arch-rivals after back-to-back defeats.
While Aaron Judge has enamored fans with his phenomenal hitting after a slow start to the season, the former MVP did not shy away from praising his new teammate Juan Soto.
Even though Judge himself is producing MVP-calibre numbers this season, he highlighted the importance of Soto and Anthony Volpe's game between the bases.
“Juan’s definitely got my vote based on what he’s done all year, coming up big to making great defensive plays,” Judge told The New York Post. “The guy’s always on base for me. He makes my job a lot easier. He and [Anthony] Volpe are the engine of this offense.”
Soto has been a marquee addition to the Yankees' star-studded lineup and has established himself as an integral part of the roster in a relatively short time since his headline move from the San Deigo Padres in the offseason.
Aaron Judge hails Juan Soto as one of the best hitters in the game
Although Juan Soto has been relatively quiet since his forearm injury that saw him miss the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this month, the 25-year-old numbers are still up there with some of the best hitters this season. Aaron Judge reciprocated the same.
“If he’s not the best hitter in the game he’s right up there,” Judge said about Soto.
Judge also pointed out the Dominican slugger's fearless hitting prowess, which has seen him come up with clutch hits for the pinstripes on several occasions this season.
“He has incredible bat-to-ball skills. He has such a great eye that he’s not afraid to take it with two strikes, even against guys he hasn’t seen before. He doesn’t mind taking it to two strikes. Two strikes, 3-2, 0-0, the guy’s a great hitter,” Judge added.
Soto currently sits with 18 home runs, the second most for the Yankees this season behind his captain, and is followed by Giancarlo Stanton with 17 to his name.