MLB’s Biggest Robbery Aaron Judge’s $360M Deal Looks Like a Steal Compared to Juan Soto’s $765M Contract

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are two of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball (MLB). When Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, it sent shockwaves through the baseball world. However, just two years earlier, Aaron Judge had made headlines by signing a nine-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees.

Recently, famous sportscaster Michael Kay weighed in on the matter, claiming that Aaron Judge is “a better player” yet settled for a much less lucrative deal than Juan Soto. Is Judge’s deal the biggest steal in MLB history?

Michael Kay: “Aaron Judge Is A Much Better Player Than Juan Soto”

On a recent episode of The Michael Kay Show, the legendary broadcaster compared the blockbuster contracts of Judge and Soto, offering insider insights into why Judge accepted a deal that seems like a bargain in retrospect.

According to Michael Kay, it all comes down to one key factor—age.

“Judge went to college, which means he got a later start on his pro career, which means he got a later start on his free agency so he became a free agent at a later age,” Kay explained.

The numbers back up his argument:

• Aaron Judge became a free agent in 2022 at age 30.
• Juan Soto hit free agency in 2024 at just 26 years old.

Kay continued, emphasizing that while Judge is the superior player, his age limited his earning potential.

“Judge didn’t have that luxury, better player though. That’s why I think that deal is going to age better for the Yankees than the deal will for the Mets.”

In other words, while Soto may have secured a record-breaking payday, the Yankees may have landed the real bargain with Judge’s deal. Did the Yankees pull off a financial masterstroke with Judge’s contract?

Aaron Judge Rejected Even Bigger Offers in 2022

Despite settling for $360 million, reports suggest that Aaron Judge turned down even larger offers before committing to the New York Yankees.

At the end of the 2022 MLB season, Judge entered free agency as the league’s most sought-after star. Multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, were willing to break the bank for him. Inside sources reveal: The San Diego Padres reportedly offered Judge a staggering $400 million—but he turned it down.

Instead of chasing the biggest possible contract, Judge stayed loyal to the Yankees, agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million deal.

“Judge prioritized legacy over money,” said an MLB insider. “He wanted to be a Yankee for life.”

With Juan Soto’s $765 million contract now dominating headlines, it’s clear that Judge could have demanded far more in 2022—making his $360 million deal look like a major win for the Yankees.

Final Thoughts: Who Really Got the Better Deal?

With Aaron Judge continuing to dominate and Juan Soto just beginning his massive 15-year contract, it’s too early to say which deal will prove to be the better investment.

However, if Michael Kay is right, Judge’s contract will age better for the Yankees—while the Mets could regret paying Soto nearly double what Judge received.