New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who on Thursday was named the unanimous American League MVP, told reporters during a Friday conference call that he has been giving Juan Soto, the top free agent on the market whom the Yankees hope to sign to a long-term contract, plenty of space.

AL MVP Aaron Judge is the Yankees' captain, but he likely won't be their highest-paid player if Juan Soto re-signs in the Bronx — and he's OK with that.

Fresh off his second MVP award, Yankees' captain knows how much free-agent slugger means to team's World Series chances.