Yankees: Will they achieve the championship with Aaron Judge? Analysis and challenges

Aaron Judge and the Yankees: An Incomplete Legacy

New York – Despite connecting one of the most significant home runs of his career, Aaron Judge, once again, faces the reflection of a season without the World Series title. The right fielder, who has been the engine of the Yankees in eight postseasons, has seen glory elude the Big Apple team.

“That’s what you play for,” Judge commented after the Game 4 loss against the Blue Jays. “You play to win, and when you don’t, it’s not a good year.”

Aaron Judge

Individually, Judge’s season was exceptional. He led the Major Leagues with a .331 batting average and hit 53 home runs. His performance in the playoffs was also outstanding, batting .500 with an OPS of 1.273 in seven games. These achievements have cemented his place among Yankees legends, surpassing figures like Yogi Berra and Joe DiMaggio on the franchise’s home run list. However, the World Series title, the ultimate achievement, remains unattainable for the 6’7″ player.

“They’ll probably make him a statue eventually,” said 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 pretty much be written in stone if he won one here.”

Carlos Rodón

Judge’s greatness is undeniable, but his best moment might not last forever. Time is relentless, even for elite athletes, and the Yankees must make the most of Judge’s prime.

“I trust that we will achieve it, and I have been every year, and I believe in many of the people in that room,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “That hasn’t changed. The fire hasn’t changed. It’s difficult to win the World Series. I’ve been chasing it my whole life.”

Aaron Boone

On April 26, Judge will turn 34 years old. The Yankees will complete a series against the Astros in Houston that day. Uncertainty surrounds the team, as several players will reach free agency after the World Series. General Manager Brian Cashman will have important decisions to make. Judge’s situation is also uncertain. After the defeat, he did not rule out the possibility of undergoing surgery on his injured elbow. The most likely option is rehabilitation without surgical intervention. The Yankees have reached the postseason in eight of Judge’s nine full seasons in the majors. The only exception was in 2023, when Judge was out of action due to a toe injury. After their first World Series appearance in 15 years, the Yankees will look to bolster their roster to have another chance to break the 16-year drought without a championship. The Yankees are expected to have at least 10 players in free agency this offseason. Manager Boone, for his part, signed a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season. What can be expected from the rest of the team?Starting rotation: The team doesn’t need major changes. With Gerrit Cole’s return from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees could have one of the best rotations in the majors.

• Max Fried
• Carlos Rodón
• Cam Schlittler
• Luis Gil
• Will Warren

Bullpen: The bullpen is another question. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Jonathan Loáisiga, who are heading to free agency, could change the team’s dynamics. With David Bednar as the closer, Camilo Doval in a setup role, and Fernando Cruz as an effective reliever, the group will seek to strengthen itself.Gardens: Judge will continue in right field. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, who had outstanding seasons, could return, but the financial situation could influence their continuity.Inside the Box: Anthony Volpe, although underperforming, could remain at shortstop. José Caballero and George Lombard are other options.Catchers: Austin Wells, like Volpe, underperformed. The Yankees could look for a right-handed catcher to complement Wells.

The Yankees, with 26 postseason appearances in the last 31 years, aim to break a 16-year drought without winning the World Series. Time is running out for Judge, who is under contract until 2031.

“Each year is different depending on how it goes,” Judge said. “But I think the feeling is still the same if you don’t win.”

Aaron Judge