The MLB regular season is right around the corner, and all eyes are on the Big Apple for two reasons. First, everyone wants to see what the defending AL Champion New York Yankees do for an encore in 2025.
Second, adding Juan Soto to the New York Mets makes them one of the favorites to win the NL Pennant. Soto finished third in AL MVP voting last season after hitting 41 home runs. Now, he heads across town after signing a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. Soto has been among the best and most recognizable baseball players since debuting in 2018.
But is it fair to say he is the biggest star in the New York City sports landscape?
Fox Sports Gives Ultimate Praise to Juan Soto
According to Fox Sports, Soto was ranked as the most prominent athlete currently playing in New York.
Who are the biggest athletes currently playing for New York sports teams?
We ranked the Top 10. pic.twitter.com/FriBR5GIKj
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 26, 2025
Many wonder how Soto is ranked ahead of Aaron Judge, the reigning AL MVP winner and Yankees captain. Judge is one of the most recognizable athletes in America, so having him behind Soto on this list is surprising. But this only adds to the already extreme rivalry between the Yankees and Mets.
Another aspect of this list worth noting is how two baseball players lead the list of most prominent New York athletes. Many people think the MLB is “dying” or is no longer as notable as the NFL or NBA. But it is good to see the star power of Soto and Judge getting the attention they deserve.
Soto’s 2025 MLB Season Outlook
It will be interesting to see if Soto is the piece the Mets need to get over the hump. They lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS last season, and their lack of offensive firepower was an issue. Soto may be the most polished hitter in baseball, who has very few, if any, weaknesses. His home-run power and on-base ability could be what the Mets need to return to the World Series for the first time since 2015.
As for Judge, he aims to become only the 13th player in MLB history with three MVP awards. That would solidify him as a baseball Hall of Famer and give the Yankees a great chance at returning to the World Series.
Judge also aims for a 50+ home run season for the third time in four years. Watching these star players battle it out this year will be exciting. Once teammates, now rivals, Soto and Judge should both be in for incredible seasons in 2025.
