Bold opening: The Yankees’ title chase isn’t set in stone yet, but Aaron Judge insists they’re in a prime position—and the rest of the league is noticing. But here’s where it gets controversial: the offseason grind didn’t unfold the way many hoped, and Judge’s candid take shines a light on the inner drama behind a team in transition.
Judge, the Yankees’ captain and a perennial power at the plate, confessed to feeling the sting of watching other big-name free agents sign elsewhere while New York waited for the right opportunities. Speaking after the first full squad workout, he admitted it was brutal early on and challenged the team to act decisively:
- “We’re the New York Yankees. Let’s go out there and get the right people.”
Despite retaining center fielder Trent Grisham, New York didn’t make blockbuster moves until late in the offseason. Judge’s message was clear: rival clubs were upgrading through trades and big signings, while the Yankees were making smaller, incremental moves. When pressed about voicing these thoughts to the front office, he smiled and acknowledged, “Yeah, oh, yeah.” Yet he tempered that frustration with optimism, insisting they’re right where they need to be.
Judge covered a broad range of topics on Monday. He reflected on last year’s lack of a World Series title despite earning his third AL MVP, and he recounted a tense matchup with 22-year-old flamethrower Carlos Lagrange during the workout—Judge homered off him and also struck out later in the session. He also highlighted his role as captain for the upcoming World Baseball Classic and discussed a right-elbow injury that never fully recovered in 2025.
The elbow issue sidelined Judge for 10 games from July 25 to Aug. 5 due to a flexor strain he sustained while throwing a ball home from right field in Toronto. He returned to the outfield on Sept. 5 and threw with limited velocity before gradually regaining strength. Judge explained that the problem caused concern because he had never dealt with this type of injury before, but post-season tests indicated he was cleared to play.
After postseason evaluations, doctors told him he was good to go, and he anticipated beginning his offseason preparation with confidence. He now says his elbow is back to full strength, noting that he’s already throwing to bases and feeling no lingering doubt—the toughest part last year, he says, was facing pitchers while the ball was being driven somewhere else by teammates who were doing their jobs.
Turning 34 in April, Judge capped a remarkable season by becoming only the fourth player in MLB history to hit 50 homers four times (joining Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa). He also won his first AL batting title with a .331 average, 53 homers, 114 RBIs, 124 walks (the league lead), and a 1.144 OPS. In the playoffs, he went 13-for-36 with one homer, seven RBIs, and a 1.273 OPS.
During a showcase moment, Judge appeared to loft a 99.3 mph pitch from Lagrange beyond left field, prompting Lagrange to marvel at the distance. Later, he was punched out by a 102.6 mph fastball from the 6-foot-7 right-hander, but he lauded the pitcher’s aura and presence, noting that someone with that demeanor embodies the fearless intensity required to thrive in New York.
Lagrange, who rose to Double-A Somerset last June, posted strong numbers—7-6 with a 3.22 ERA across 15 starts and one relief appearance, striking out 104 with 50 walks over 78⅓ innings. He’s focused on tightening control, a point Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized. Boone praised Lagrange’s work ethic, leadership, and makeup, adding that his massive arm complements the drive already in the organization.
Judge, a seven-time All-Star entering his 11th major league season, has won more than just awards; he’s become a central figure in the clubhouse. Boone described him as a player who has grown into a leader, a revered presence in the room, and someone who makes teammates feel like the most important person in the room—an invaluable quality for a clubhouse culture in a high-pressure market.
This report draws on information from The Associated Press.
Would you rather see the Yankees lean into bold, blockbuster signings next season, or continue building depth with measured additions and internal development? Share your take in the comments: Do big splashes or steady upgrades best position a perennial contender for a long-awaited title?
