By Sunday 
Who Reigns Supreme in the Outfield?
Every baseball season brings fresh debates, but few ignite as much passion as ranking the best corner outfielders in Major League Baseball. With the 2025 season on the horizon, fans, analysts, and even former players are weighing in on a particularly heated discussion: Who is the best—Aaron Judge or Juan Soto?
Both superstars have put up historic numbers, but with Soto now wearing a Mets uniform and Judge adjusting to life without him in the Yankees’ lineup, the stakes are higher than ever. As we rank the top corner outfielders, it’s time to break down the numbers, the impact, and the uncertainty surrounding these two generational talents.
Aaron Judge: A Historic Force at the Plate
Aaron Judge is coming off a jaw-dropping season, delivering one of the greatest offensive performances in baseball history. His adjusted OPS+ of 223 places him among legends, surpassing peak seasons of Yankees greats like Derek Jeter, Reggie Jackson, and even Mickey Mantle.
Judge’s presence in the Yankees’ lineup was amplified last year by Juan Soto batting ahead of him. With Soto’s elite .421 on-base percentage, Judge saw plenty of RBI opportunities, which he converted with a .338 average and .480 OBP with runners on base. However, with Soto now in Queens, questions loom:
- Will pitchers challenge Judge as much without Soto’s protection?
- Can the Yankees find a consistent No. 2 hitter to set the table for him?
- Will Judge’s numbers take a hit, or is his dominance inevitable?
Opinions are divided. Former MLB catcher David Ross believes Judge could see a “significant” statistical decline. Hall of Famer Chipper Jones agrees, calling Soto “a bad man at the plate” whose absence will undoubtedly affect Judge.
But others, like Alex Rodriguez, push back: “Judge hit 62 homers before Soto arrived. He’ll hit after him, too.” The key, as A-Rod points out, may not be who bats behind Judge, but who gets on base ahead of him.
Despite these debates, one fact remains: Judge is the best corner outfielder in baseball until proven otherwise.
Juan Soto: A Hitting Machine in a New Home
Soto’s talent has never been in question, but now, with a record-setting contract and a new team, the pressure is on to deliver. Last season, he posted the best OPS+ of his career (178), reached base nearly 300 times, and walked a staggering 129 times.
But can he replicate that production in a new lineup? The Mets have invested heavily in Soto, hoping he will be the cornerstone of their offense for years to come. With his elite plate discipline and ability to drive the ball to all fields, he’s already one of the best hitters of his generation.
Some scouts believe that with the right supporting cast, Soto could flirt with a .500 OBP in his prime. His ability to grind at-bats and force pitchers into mistakes is unmatched, making him one of the most feared hitters in the game.
The Rest of the Elite: Top 10 Corner Outfielders in 2025
While Judge and Soto dominate the headlines, the corner outfield position is stacked with elite talent. Here’s how the top 10 shapes up for the 2025 season:
1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Even without Soto, Judge’s power and discipline make him the most dangerous hitter in baseball.
2. Juan Soto, New York Mets
A once-in-a-generation hitter who could be on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
3. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros
A complete player who combines power, defense, and on-base ability.
4. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Back from knee surgery, Acuña remains one of the most explosive players in the game.
5. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
After a sophomore slump, Carroll still managed 121 runs, 35 steals, and elite defense.
6. Fernando Tatís Jr., San Diego Padres
A dynamic presence in the lineup with sky-high offensive potential.
7. Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox
Led the majors in doubles and triples last year while generating 8.7 WAR.
8. Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians
A rising star adding power to an already elite contact skillset.
9. Adolis García, Texas Rangers
One of the most clutch hitters in baseball, known for his power and aggressive style.
10. Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers
A young star who finished 2024 on fire and is primed for a breakout season.
Honorable Mentions
- Mike Trout (Angels): Moving to right field in hopes of staying healthy.
- Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers): A power bat that fits perfectly in L.A.’s lineup.
- Riley Greene (Tigers): One of the best swings in baseball.
- Anthony Santander (Blue Jays): 105 homers over the last three seasons.
- Lawrence Butler (Athletics): A strong second half in 2024 suggests big things ahead.
Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?
The Judge vs. Soto debate will continue to rage throughout the season. Judge has already established himself as a historic power hitter, but will he remain as dominant without Soto? Meanwhile, Soto’s move to the Mets presents new challenges—but also the potential for an even greater legacy.
One thing is certain: Both players are at the top of their game, and baseball fans are in for a thrilling season. Whether it’s Judge crushing 500-foot homers in the Bronx or Soto working counts and driving in runs in Queens, this battle for outfield supremacy is far from over.
So, who’s your pick?