Judge and Soto were a dynamic partnership for the Yankees last season. The duo combined for 99 home runs and 253 RBIs while making a run to the World Series during their lone season as teammates. With Soto swapping the Bronx for Queens, Judge made clear he harbors no ill will for the 26-year-old.

Aaron Judge knew these questions were coming. The New York Yankees captain took a break from batting practice, outfield drills, and signing autographs to address the media for the first time since making his way to Tampa for spring training.

It was a soft, but meaningful salvo. When Juan Soto recently declared the New York Mets stood a better chance of claiming the World Series than the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge responded with a characteristic grace but made his viewpoint clear. “He can say what he wants, “Mr. Judge said. “I definitely disagree with him.”