Yankees: What’s next for Aaron Judge and the title quest?

Aaron Judge and the Yankees: An Incomplete Legacy

New York – Aaron Judge, after hitting one of the most significant home runs of his career, has experienced a bitter reality. Despite his impressive individual performances and leading the Yankees in numerous postseasons, the World Series title remains elusive. This season, as in previous years, hope faded with the defeat against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series.

“That’s what you play for,” Judge said after the loss. “You play to win. And when you don’t win, it’s not a good year.”

Aaron Judge

Individually, Judge shined. During the regular season, the current American League MVP proved his worth by leading Major League Baseball with a .331 batting average and hitting 53 home runs. In the postseason, he maintained his high level with a .500 average and a 1.273 OPS in seven games, solidifying his place among Yankees legends. Judge surpassed figures like Yogi Berra and Joe DiMaggio on the team’s home run list, reaching fourth place. He became the fourth player with four seasons of 50+ home runs and set an American League record with 36 intentional walks. Despite playing with an elbow injury, his performance was exceptional. However, the World Series title, an achievement shared by his teammates in Yankees history, remains unattainable for the 6’7″ right fielder.

“They’ll probably make a statue of him eventually,” commented Carlos Rodón, Yankees left-handed pitcher. “And I feel like, before it’s all said and done, for him, it would only be right to win at least one World Series here. I think his legacy would be well-defined if he won one here.”

Carlos Rodón

Judge’s greatness is undeniable, but his best moment won’t last forever. Time moves on for everyone, and the pressure is on the Yankees to make the most of Judge’s prime. Manager Aaron Boone is confident that the team will overcome difficulties and achieve the success they long for. On April 26, Judge will turn 34 years old. The Yankees will face the Astros in Houston that day. The team’s situation is uncertain, with several players nearing free agency and possible major moves by general manager Brian Cashman. Judge’s situation is also uncertain, as he may require surgery on his elbow. The Yankees have reached the postseason in eight of Judge’s nine full seasons. Last winter, after their first World Series appearance in 15 years, the Yankees reloaded, but their October run was brief. The key to breaking the 16-year drought without a championship begins with the decisions of this offseason. At least 10 players are expected to reach free agency, representing a significant portion of the Yankees’ roster. Boone is expected to return, having signed a contract extension through 2027. What can we expect from the rest of the team?

Rotation and Bullpen: Roster Analysis

The initial rotation looks solid. With the expected return of Gerrit Cole from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees could count on an elite rotation, including Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, and Will Warren. Clarke Schmidt could join the group at the end of the season. The bullpen presents more challenges. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Jonathan Loáisiga, along with Tim Hill, could reach free agency. Although the team has David Bednar as a closer, Camilo Doval in a setup role, and Fernando Cruz, the group, which struggled in 2025, will undergo changes.

The Outfield and the Infield: Key Points

In the outfield, Judge secures right field. The situation in other positions is less clear. Cody Bellinger, who had a standout season, could opt out of his contract, while Trent Grisham will become a free agent. Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones could be internal options. In the infield, Anthony Volpe hasn’t met expectations, although the team backs him. José Caballero and George Lombard are internal options at shortstop. Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario are free agents; Ben Rice could be the starting first baseman and Rosario could return to play third and second base. In the receiving position, Austin Wells had a less consistent performance. The arrival of a right-handed hitter could balance the situation. J.T. Realmuto is an option in free agency.

After another elimination in October, Yankees captain Arron Judge turns 34 in April.The Yankees, with a history of success, seek to break the title drought. The road to the World Series is complicated, but the ambition to achieve it with Judge is the main goal. With time running out, the Yankees seek to prevent Judge from being remembered as a legend without a championship. “Every year is different,” Judge said, “but I think the feeling is the same if you don’t win.”