Former Yankees teammates Todd Frazier and Erik Kratz are urging Aaron Judge to actively recruit Juan Soto, a notable free agent. During a recent podcast, Frazier emphasized the need for Judge to reach out to Soto, stating he should express the Yankees' interest more vigorously. Kratz echoed this sentiment, suggesting Judge should make an effort to persuade Soto to remain with the Yankees, despite recognizing he might not be seeking that. The discussion reflects not only the importance of personal connections in recruitment but also the dynamics of free agency. Judge, however, has refrained from contacting Soto, respecting the pressures Soto faces during this pivotal decision.

By the Numbers
  • Juan Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs this season.
  • Judge and Soto played together this past season, with Judge as Yankees captain.
Yes, But

While Frazier and Kratz advocate for Judge’s involvement, it’s unclear if Soto is actively seeking to stay with the Yankees, complicating the recruitment narrative. Judge’s restraint stems from his own experiences in free agency, suggesting he may prioritize Soto's comfort and decision-making.

State of Play
  • Soto is considering preliminary offers from five teams as he navigates free agency.
  • The Winter Meetings next month are expected to clarify Soto's future, potentially impacting the Yankees' lineup.
What's Next

As Soto's free agency heats up, the Yankees may need to decide whether to actively engage in recruitment efforts or respect Soto's decision-making process. This could dictate their roster strategy moving forward.

Bottom Line

For the Yankees to strengthen their chances of retaining Soto, proactive communication from Judge may be critical. Balancing these recruitment efforts with respect for Soto’s autonomy could ultimately shape the team's future success.