TAMPA, Fla. — Aaron Judge shared the anxieties many Yankees fans felt as high-profile free agents continued to sign with other teams.
“It was tough to watch,” the captain of New York remarked on Monday after the team’s initial full-squad practice. “At first, I was thinking, ‘Come on, we’re the New York Yankees. We need to grab the right players.’”
While New York aimed for its first championship since 2009, they managed to keep center fielder Trent Grisham early in the offseason but delayed more significant moves until later.
“We need to start signing guys and adding more talent since I see other teams getting stronger,” Judge noted. “They’re making trades and bringing in top prospects or big names, and we’ve been making smaller moves for a while.”
When asked if he communicated his concerns to the Yankees, Judge flashed a big grin and replied: “Absolutely.”
“It was frustrating, but I believe we’re in a good place now,” he expressed.
During a lengthy discussion on Monday, Judge touched on various topics: the missed opportunity of winning the World Series last year despite earning his third AL MVP award; hitting a home run and striking out against 22-year-old pitcher Carlos Lagrange during practice; his role as captain for the U.S. in the upcoming World Baseball Classic; and an elbow injury he struggled with last year.
Judge missed ten games from July 25 to August 5 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, which occurred while making a throw home from right field at Toronto on July 22. He didn’t return to outfield duties until September 5 and threw cautiously at 67.9 mph. Though he regained some arm strength during the season, he didn’t reach full capacity.
“I’ve never experienced elbow issues before, so I was definitely worried,” he stated.
It wasn’t until after the postseason that he learned surgery was not necessary.
“They conducted all the tests again and said, ‘You’re good to go,'” Judge recounted. “I responded, ‘Great! When can we start throwing?’ So that was a relief. It was reassuring to hear those words, allowing me to prepare properly for the offseason and get in shape for the upcoming year.”
He confirmed that his elbow is now fully functional.
“I’ve been throwing a bit already, so no concerns there,” he added. “I’m just eager to get back out there with confidence—last year, it was tough seeing the pitchers and my teammates working hard, only to receive the ball with limited capability.”
At 34 in April, Judge achieved his third AL MVP award in four years, joining a select group of only four players in major league history to hit 50 home runs four times (joining legends like Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa). He also captured his first AL batting title, boasting a league-best .331 average, with 53 home runs, 114 RBIs, an AL-high 124 walks, and a major league-leading 1.144 OPS. In the playoffs, he collected 13 hits in 36 at-bats, including one homer, seven RBIs, and a 1.273 OPS.
Judge appeared to crush a 99.3 mph pitch from Lagrange out of Steinbrenner Field’s left side.
“That was impressive,” Lagrange said in awe.
Judge later struck out on a blazing 102.6 mph fastball from the towering right-hander, complimenting “his personality and presence.”
“He’s remarkable. I’ve seen countless videos and heard many stories over the years about him,” Judge said. “He rose to the challenge, which is essential when playing in the Bronx or New York. You need that kind of attitude—nothing should intimidate you.”
Lagrange was promoted to Double-A Somerset last June, finishing with a record of 7-6 and a 3.22 ERA across 15 starts and one relief appearance, during which he registered 104 strikeouts and 50 walks in 78⅓ innings. He has been dedicating time to enhance his control.
“He’s made a lot of improvements behind the scenes, focusing on his control and managing the running game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented. “He’s emerged as a leader. We really admire his character, alongside his impressive arm.”
Judge, a seven-time All-Star, is embarking on his 11th season in the majors.
“It’s been truly enjoyable to witness not just the incredible feats he’s achieved on the field,” Boone said, “but also to see him evolve as a player, a person, a leader, a captain, and a father. He’s widely respected by everyone in the clubhouse—this is genuine. Having your superstar, a face of the sport, be someone so approachable is invaluable. I heard similar sentiment from another player: ‘He makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room.’ That’s a remarkable quality he possesses that resonates with everyone.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
