The Subway Series 2025 – that’s just one way to go for it. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this weekend’s series is referred to as The Judge-Soto series. You just have to take a look at the level of attention that has moved from the Yankees-Mets showdown to the Judge-Soto face-off. Last season, Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs for the New York Yankees, and now he makes his way back to the Bronx wearing Mets blue.

It wasn’t easy, not for Soto and certainly not for the Yankees. Both the Yankees and the Mets are in their prime right now. However, ever since Soto signed the whopping $765 million, 15-year contract for the New York Mets, there’s no end to the what-ifs of if he had still remained a Yankee.

More than anybody else, maybe even Aaron Boone, it was Aaron Judge who wished Soto to be back in the Yankees lineup. After all, weren’t they a great duo?

As per the NY Post, Aaron Judge made a heartbreaking confession over Juan Soto. It came to light that an unknown number texted Judge this offseason. The person claimed to be Juan Soto. However, according to Judge, it seemed like somebody was messing with him. Later, Judge opened up about it, saying, “I tried to do my part, but for the most part let him make his decision.” Judge said.

“Because a couple words that I say aren’t going to make a big decision for what you think is best for you & your family.” Judge clearly wanted Soto to stay. But then again, he couldn’t do much about it. Soto had his reasons.

Even after everything, Judge publicly said that his friendship with Soto will always be “No.1”, in fact, he can’t wait to have Soto at Yankee Stadium for the opening of the Subway Series.

Judge’s first reaction when Soto left for the New York Mets

The Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been pretty transparent with how he feels about Soto’s move across town. It was personal for Soto, given how he loved hitting behind Soto and his friendship with him. After the Mets acquired Soto, Judge said it was “amazing news” given the money and the years. He wished Soto well and told him he did right for his family.

When asked about how Judge feels about the situation, he said, “It’s tough to say.” He added, “Obviously I want the Yankees to build the best team and I know anytime you add a Juan Soto, he’s going to make the team better.” Just one season – that’s all the time Judge got to team up with Soto. Yet, it was certainly enough to leave an impact.

Judge has watched him go from being with the Nationals to being with the Padres. And when Soto became a Yankee, Judge learned a lot from him. With the Yankees, Soto scored an AL-leading 128 runs with 41 home runs and 109 RBI while hitting .288 (.989 OPS). He became the life of Yankeeland, to say the least.

And now, his start with the Mets isn’t as good as it was with the Yankees. Across 43 games, he’s hitting .255 (.845 OPS) with eight home runs and 20 RBI. Given Soto’s capabilities, it’s slightly concerning. However, it’s still fresh; he can be back in his form anytime now.

For now, Soto is gearing up for an icy reception against the Yankees. And Judge isn’t holding back either to carry the Yankees on his back, as always.

How excited are you?