No one would fault New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge if he wanted to lay low and take spring training easy.
Instead, Judge wants to go all out ahead of the Yankees’ March 27 opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Judge made his long-anticipated spring debut Saturday, stroking a two-run single in a 9-3 victory over the rival Houston Astros. The reigning AL MVP told reporters he wants 40 to 50 at-bats this spring.
Judge only went 5-for-24 last spring. He subsequently hit .207 with six home runs and 18 RBI in the Yankees’ first 31 games.
2-RBI knock for @TheJudge44 👨⚖️ pic.twitter.com/0qhUmK8m31
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 1, 2025
“So, if I want to improve on the season, maybe I need more at-bats,” Judge said Saturday, according to the Yankees’ official website. “Maybe that will help me start off the season a little better.”
On one hand, it’s commendable that Judge wants extended action in the coming weeks. He’s arguably the top player in baseball and turns 33 in April; this is usually when veterans prefer to get 25 to 30 at-bats.
Judge is fresh off hitting a career-high .322 with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, and an incredible 1.159 OPS. And he wants to improve?
However, Judge and the Yankees must be extremely careful. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) will begin the season on the injured list, and utility infielder DJ LeMahieu (left calf) could join him after leaving Saturday’s game early.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge
Dave Nelson-Imagn Images
The Yankees are already down two starting hitters, and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil suffered a shoulder injury during a recent bullpen session.
Judge said he counts the back field at-bats in his list, so don’t expect him to suddenly start playing every spring training game.
Anything and everything the Yankees plan on doing this year rides on Judge’s health. We’ll see if manager Aaron Boone—and, by extension, the front office—support their captain’s desire to play more this spring.