In a candid moment at the MLB All-Star Game media availability, New York Mets superstar Juan Soto pushed back against a question regarding whether he misses playing alongside his former Yankees teammate Aaron Judge.
The exchange highlighted Soto’s focus on his current chapter while underscoring the enduring legacy of his one-season stint in pinstripes.
Soto, who signed a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets in December 2024 after helping the Yankees reach the World Series, appeared relaxed yet direct during the interview. When asked by NJ.com’s Randy Miller if he missed playing with Judge, Soto shook his head and replied with evident surprise: “What do you mean? I miss, like that doesn’t make sense at all, you know?”
The response carried a snarky tone, suggesting the premise of the question felt off-base to Soto. Now in a Mets uniform, he seems intent on looking forward rather than dwelling on past partnerships, even one as productive as the Soto-Judge duo that powered New York’s lineup in 2024.
Despite the brush-off, Soto didn’t shy away from reflecting positively on his Yankees experience. He spoke warmly about cherished memories from his time in the Bronx.
“I have so much great memories, man,” Soto said. “I have a great time there. We have a great time, we went to the World Series and everything. Probably celebrating in Cleveland was one of the greatest memories I can ever have.”
That Cleveland moment refers to Soto’s clutch go-ahead three-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the 2024 ALCS against the Guardians, a swing that propelled the Yankees to the World Series.
The context of Soto’s situation adds layers to the exchange. While the Yankees remain competitive in the AL East, the Mets have struggled, sitting near the bottom of the NL East standings.
Soto’s decision to leave New York after one year has been a frequent topic of discussion among fans and media, especially given the immediate chemistry he and Judge shared on the field.
Earlier this year, Soto even posted on Instagram reminiscing about the 2024 campaign, where the pair combined for an impressive 99 home runs and 253 RBI. Yet in the All-Star setting, his priority appeared to be embracing his role with the Mets and moving past questions that tie him too closely to his former club.
Soto’s reaction may reflect a broader mindset for star athletes navigating free agency and new environments: respect for the past, but full commitment to the present.
Whether the snappy reply was simply a desire to avoid rehashing old narratives or genuine confusion at the framing, it provided a glimpse into the mindset of one of baseball’s most talented—and now polarizing—figures.
As the season progresses, both Soto and Judge continue to chase excellence on their respective paths, with fans on both sides of the rivalry watching closely.
