After all, Soto's presence ahead of Judge in the Yankees' lineup did create more opportunities for the latter to bat with a man on base. He saw more pitches to hit accordingly, so of course he went off for a 58-homer, 144-RBI season that netted him his second American League MVP.

NEW YORK — New York Mets superstar outfielder Juan Soto is realizing just how different life is without Aaron Judge looming in the on-deck circle.

While Aaron Judge is off to an explosive start to the season with the Yankees, Juan Soto has only two home runs and six RBI with the Mets so far.