NYY News: Judge lobbies for Soto
Today at 12:00 AM
Aaron Judge opens up on Juan Soto's free agency; a look at how the Rays will change Steinbrenner Field; should New York sign Blake Snell?; some form of automated strike zone looms
USA Today | Bob Nightengale: Yankee Captain Aaron Judge has not spoken to former (and future?) teammate Juan Soto about the latter's free agency. But he has communicated directly to the top of the Yankee organization chart his desire to see Soto back in New York next season. Moreover, he clarified to owner Hal Steinbrenner that he's indifferent to Soto getting paid more than he does. "It ain't my money," Judge said. "I really don't care as long as we get the best players, get the most of what we can, I'm happy with whatever." I like that attitude.
The Athletic | Sam Blum and Chris Kirschner ($): It's gonna be weird for New York, using the visitor's clubhouse at their own park, the first time they play "at" the Rays in 2025. On the positive side, the visitor's clubhouse is getting an upgrade as part of the Rays using Steinbrenner Field this coming campaign.
SNY | Phillip Martinez: Should the Yankees pursue free agent hurler Blake Snell, familiar with the club from his time in the AL East with the Rays? That's the gist here. Martinez delves into the pros and cons of a possible Snell signing. Ultimately, he seems to think (and I suspect everyone agrees) that in the case Soto comes back to the Bronx, it's pretty unlikely Hal will hand out another monster contract this off-season.
The Athletic | Evan Drellich ($): I have yelled impotently into the night "bring me robot umpires" since the first time Aaron Judge got rung up on a pitch at his ankles. Now, after long last, some form of automatex strike zone approaches. This coming spring training, each team will have two challenges at their disposal with which to argue balls and strikes. Commissioner Manfred hopes to have the system deployed for the 2026 regular season. Better late than never.
And in case you missed it, the non-tender deadline passed yesterday. You can check Peter's rundown from yesterday, with analysis of the Yankees tendering a contract for Trent Grisham but letting Jon Berti go.
