In late 2024, Juan Soto thrived in the Yankees’ lineup, batting in front of the formidable Aaron Judge. Pitchers faced a dilemma: throw hittable pitches to Soto, or risk facing Judge with runners on base. This dynamic gave Soto an edge.
Fast forward to early 2025—Soto signs with the Mets. No Judge behind him. No fear factor. Pitchers could now challenge Soto without the looming threat of a home run king. The lineup’s architecture shifted, and so did Soto’s world.
Did losing Aaron Judge’s protection measurably impact Juan Soto’s performance at the plate?
This analysis dives into Statcast data to compare Soto’s hits in two distinct periods: with Judge (Yankees, 2024) and without Judge (Mets, 2025). Buckle up—we’re about to uncover the power of lineup protection.