Yankees Captain Aaron Judge Voices Concerns
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — With the offseason buzzing with big-name signings by rival teams, Yankees captain Aaron Judge shared his concerns on Monday following the first full-squad workout of the season. Reflecting on the New York Yankees’ sluggish offseason activity, he expressed disbelief, saying,
“It was brutal. Early on, it was tough to watch. We’re the New York Yankees; we should be out there attracting the right talent.”
Judge’s Personal Achievements and Challenges
Despite winning his third American League MVP award last season, Judge lamented the absence of a World Series title, a disappointment shadowing his individual achievements. During the workout, he faced off against 22-year-old pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange, hitting and striking out against the towering right-hander, who is reported to have ended last season at Double-A. Judge detailed,
“I hit a ball that was 99.3 mph from him but ultimately struck out on a 102.6 mph fastball.”
Health Concerns and Offseason Preparation
In discussing his health, Judge reflected on the elbow injury that caused him to miss ten games during the late summer, stemming from a flexor strain incurred while making a throw from right field in Toronto. He returned to the outfield only in early September, appearing to throw cautiously with a lack of arm strength. Judge admitted,
“I have never experienced elbow issues before, so I was genuinely concerned.”
Fortunately, after undergoing tests and evaluations after the season, he received reassuring news,
“They said: ‘You’re good to go.’ This allowed me to focus on my offseason preparation fully.”
Looking Ahead to the New Season
Now confident about his elbow’s health, Judge remarked,
“I’ve already thrown to bases a couple of times without issues,”
expressing eagerness to return to play. He added,
“Last year, it was challenging when the ball was hit to me, and I felt like I couldn’t perform as my teammates were. That was tough.”
Historic Milestones and Team Aspirations
As he gears up for the new season, Judge, who will turn 34 this April, looks back at an impressive 2022: he achieved historic milestones, becoming one of only four players in MLB history—alongside legends Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa—to hit 50 home runs four times. His final stats reflected his dominance, leading the league with a .331 batting average, 53 home runs, 114 RBIs, 124 walks, and a standout OPS of 1.144. In the postseason, he further contributed with a solid batting average of .361, including a home run and seven RBIs.
Frustrations with Offseason Moves
While the Yankees managed to retain center fielder Trent Grisham during the offseason, larger moves were slow to materialize. Judge voiced his thoughts firmly, stating,
“Let’s sign these guys right now and start adding more pieces because I’m seeing other teams around the league get better.”
When asked if he communicated these frustrations to the Yankees’ management, Judge responded affirmatively with a grin, before concluding,
“It was frustrating, but I believe we’re positioned well for the upcoming season.”
Conclusion
As the Yankees eye their first World Series championship since 2009, the team and its fan base are eager to see if upcoming strategies will bolster their roster and improve their chances for success this season.
