In the world of Major League Baseball, friendships and rivalries often intersect, with players forming tight bonds across team lines. However, the relationship between New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto has raised some eyebrows in recent weeks, prompting ex-Yankees to question the depth of their friendship. The question on many minds: *Are Judge and Soto really ‘boys,’ as Judge has described it?*
The speculation first began after Judge made headlines with remarks about his relationship with Soto. In a recent interview, Judge referred to Soto as one of his closest friends in the league, further fueling the narrative that the two are inseparable on and off the field. Judge’s praise for Soto, calling him a “great guy” and a “tremendous player,” seemed to indicate a strong, personal connection. However, former Yankees players and analysts have now begun to raise concerns about whether this friendship is as close as Judge portrays it to be.
A number of ex-Yankees have expressed doubts about the true nature of Judge and Soto’s relationship, noting that the two players have never been teammates or shared significant playing time together. They argue that while it’s certainly possible for players to form friendships in the offseason or during All-Star Games, a true bond is often forged through day-to-day experiences and years of camaraderie in the clubhouse. For Judge, whose leadership role with the Yankees has made him a focal point of the team’s culture, it seems more than a little surprising that his friendship with Soto could be so close given their lack of direct connection.
The question of “Are they really ‘boys’?” has been posed by a few former Yankees, particularly those who are familiar with Judge’s personality and the team dynamics that exist within the Yankees’ clubhouse. Some insiders suggest that Judge’s close-knit relationship with his current teammates, such as Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, is in stark contrast to his public camaraderie with Soto, leading to a perception that the friendship may be more of a media-friendly narrative than an actual deep personal connection.
The timing of the speculation has also raised eyebrows, as rumors about Soto potentially being traded have swirled in recent months. Soto, a two-time All-Star and one of the game’s brightest young talents, has long been linked to trade rumors, with the Yankees among the teams frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot. This has only fueled further curiosity about Judge’s apparent closeness with Soto, as some wonder if the friendship is more of a strategic move to help entice Soto to New York if a trade were to materialize. With the Yankees having a longstanding need for a dynamic left-handed bat, the idea of pairing Judge with Soto in the lineup could be appealing both on the field and in the court of public opinion.
Despite the outside questions about the sincerity of their relationship, both Judge and Soto have continued to maintain that they share a strong bond. Soto, known for his charismatic and approachable demeanor, has always spoken highly of Judge as a role model and a leader. Meanwhile, Judge has been equally effusive in his praise for Soto, acknowledging the young star’s talent and maturity beyond his years.
While the truth about the depth of their friendship remains a subject of debate, the focus for both players remains on their performances on the field. Soto, with his elite bat and impressive on-base skills, is likely to be a coveted asset this offseason, regardless of his personal connections to any one player. Meanwhile, Judge, the Yankees’ captain and face of the franchise, will continue to lead New York through another pivotal season.
As with any story involving high-profile athletes, the line between friendship and professional strategy can sometimes become blurred. Whether Judge and Soto are truly the close friends they claim to be or if the relationship is more about mutual respect and admiration remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: if the Yankees ever do make a move for Soto, Judge’s influence could certainly play a role—whether as a friend or as a teammate.
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