Since Juan Soto and Aaron Judge transitioned from teammates to rivals last offseason, there has been ongoing debate comparing the two stars, especially regarding effort on the field. This season, the focus has intensified around the “Aaron Judge hustle comparison,” with experts highlighting a noticeable difference in how each player approaches the game. While Judge continues to showcase relentless determination, questions remain about Soto’s work ethic during play.

Both players have delivered strong offensive performances this year. Judge is having another standout campaign, boasting a .358 batting average along with 34 home runs and 79 RBIs. Soto started slower but surged in June, now hitting .265 with 22 home runs and 54 RBIs. Despite his recent offensive improvements, observers have criticized Soto for a perceived lack of urgency on the bases.

Criticism Mounts Over Juan Soto’s Base Running Effort

Baseball insiders Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata discussed Soto’s base running on WFAN, pointing out his unwillingness to hustle as a troubling issue. Licata was blunt in his assessment, underscoring the expectations placed on a highly paid athlete like Soto.

“I have a major issue with Juan Soto not hustling [when running the bases]. It’s inexcusable. You’re making a lot of money here, you gotta hustle,” Licata said [1:20].

Tierney agreed, emphasizing that this attitude contrasts starkly with the grit displayed by Aaron Judge. He warned that if Soto does not adjust, his behavior could negatively influence the team, especially younger players who look up to established leaders.

“I think it hurts them downstream [if Soto continues this way],” Tierney said (3:20). “There’s a lot of young kids on this team, who are impressionable. You just don’t see leaders and grinders doing that. David Wright with a bad bat didn’t do that. Derek Jeter never did that. You will never see Aaron Judge do that. Even when Aaron Judge is 37 and diminished he will never do that.”

Internal Discussions Highlight Concerns Over Soto’s Hustle

Instances of Juan Soto failing to run hard to first base or take extra bases have been noticed repeatedly throughout the season. One particular moment that drew attention came during a Mets game at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, when Soto appeared to slow down after hitting a ball off the famed Green Monster.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed he had addressed the issue with Soto privately but declined to share specifics about their conversation.

“I’m not going to get into the back and forth, I’m going to keep that in house,” Mendoza said. “The one thing I’ll tell you as a manager, my job is to continue to coach him (Juan Soto), continue to teach him. Same thing with the [rest of] the coaches, we will continue to do that, the same thing we’ve done since day one.”

The Mets’ leadership appears committed to correcting Soto’s approach internally, recognizing the importance of consistent effort, especially as the team moves toward critical stages of the season.

Implications for the Mets’ Future Performance

The differences between Aaron Judge’s renowned hustle and Juan Soto’s perceived complacency could have deeper consequences for the Mets beyond individual statistics. With many younger players on the roster, Soto’s attitude may set an unproductive example, potentially affecting team culture and performance down the line.

Judging by insiders and management voices, there is urgency for Soto to demonstrate more consistent energy on the base paths if he hopes to cement his role as a true leader. Mets fans and team officials alike await signs that this issue will be resolved as the playoffs approach, hoping Soto’s effort matches the talent that he clearly possesses.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?

A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has had three seasons with 50 or more homers, a feat only four other players have achieved.

Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?

A. Aaron Judge was adopted the day after he was born, on April 27, 1992, by two teachers named Patty and Wayne Judge. When he was about ten years old, he figured out he was adopted because he didn’t look like his parents.

Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?

A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays professional baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been selected as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge set the record for the most home runs in a single AL season with 62.

Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?

A. Aaron Judge has stated that he won’t be growing a beard, even though the Yankees have updated their rules about facial hair.