NEW YORK — Let’s give credit where it’s due regarding Juan Soto. He was drop-dead honest when he said life with the Mets is “different” than it was with the Yankees. It was neither a complaint nor an insult to anyone on either New York team – just the truth about the advantages of hitting in front of Aaron Judge versus Pete Alonso.

Aaron Judge still believes in Juan Soto's ability to put up big numbers this season even if the New York Mets star is missing his former teammate hitting behind him in the lineup. Soto discussed the difference between being on the Mets this year compared to the New York Yankees last year and told Mike Puma of the New York Post,

In 2025, pitchers have approached Juan Soto differently. Last year, Soto had the benefit of New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hitting behind him. The Yankees appeared in the World Series for the first time since 2009,