Aaron Judge would be willing to earn less than Juan Soto

The New York Yankees are in the midst of a defining moment that could define their long-term future, with Juan Soto a key piece of this puzzle.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the possibility that Aaron Judge’s contract, with an annual salary of $40 million, is the ceiling for what the Yankees are willing to offer Juan Soto. However, according to the Yankees, Jon Heymanthis idea seems to be based more on rumors than on tangible reality.

The renowned sports journalist offers in the New York Post a perspective that highlights Judge’s willingness to prioritize the team’s success over his own salary, and how that could factor into negotiations with Juan Soto.

Soto can demand more money, according to Heyman

In Heyman’s opinion, Juan Soto, who at 25 years old is in the peak of his careerhas several reasons to demand a contract higher than Judge’s:

1. The Judge Factor: Aaron Judge decided to accept a lower salary to stay in New York, something that cannot necessarily be expected from Soto, who is in a unique position to negotiate a historic contract.
2. Market Competition: When Judge signed his contract, the Mets were not involved in the negotiation. Now, with Soto available, the Yankees could face fierce competition from teams with deep pockets.
3. Age and Performance: Soto’s youth means the years covered by his next contract will be the most productive of his career, making him even more valuable on the market.

The Yankees’ dilemma

The Yankees don’t just have Soto’s case. They also have to add that of Gerrit Cole, one of their most reliable pitchers, who has the option of opting out of his current contract and seeking a more lucrative deal on the market.

The most likely solution would be for the Yankees to add an additional year to his current contract, raising his annual salary to $36 million, which would result in a total of $180 million over five years.

For the Yankees, the decisions about Soto and Cole aren’t just about money, but about how to build a team that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

Can they afford to offer Soto a contract that exceeds Judge’s? What does it mean to retain Soto? Cole for the future of the rotation?

These are questions the organization must carefully answer to ensure the Yankees remain an elite team without compromising their long-term financial stability.

The road won’t be easy, but with the right decisions, the Yankees can ensure their championship window remains open for years to come.