Judge blown away by Soto's 3-HR performance: 'Greatest hitter in the game'

Aaron Judge is the front-runner to win the second MVP award of his career, but the New York Yankees slugger believes his teammate Juan Soto is the best hitter in baseball.

"That's why he's the greatest hitter in the game," Judge said after Soto had the first three-homer game of his career during Tuesday's 4-1 win against the Chicago White Sox, according to The Associated Press.

"You leave a pitch in the zone, he'll do damage. But if you don't throw to him, he’ll help the next guy do his thing."

Soto started Tuesday's home-run barrage by hitting a two-run shot off White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning. He took Cannon deep again two innings later and hit his final round-tripper of the contest in the seventh frame off reliever Fraser Ellard.

Soto had an opportunity in the ninth inning to match the major-league record of four home runs, but he was issued a walk.

"Just a great night by a great player," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I feel like in watching Juan I'm watching one of the best seasons I've ever seen."

Soto has excelled during his first season with the first-place Yankees. The 25-year-old is slashing .306/.434/.608 with 33 homers, 24 doubles, 100 runs scored, and 86 RBIs in 117 games.

The pending free agent is expected to sign a lucrative deal in the offseason. The Yankees have already expressed a desire to re-sign the four-time All-Star.