**Jonathan Papelbon Expresses Concerns Over Aaron Judge’s Performance Heading into 2025 Season**
Former MLB All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon has voiced worries about New York Yankees standout Aaron Judge’s prospects for the 2025 season, citing concerns that the slugger’s underwhelming 2024 postseason showing could spill into next year’s regular season. Judge, a two-time American League MVP (including 2024), struggled during the playoffs, batting .184/.344/.408 with three home runs and a .752 OPS over 14 games. While the Yankees advanced to the World Series, questions linger about whether a stronger performance from Judge might have made the Fall Classic more competitive.
Papelbon, a former Boston Red Sox pitcher, suggested on the *Foul Territory* podcast that Judge’s postseason struggles may stem from mental pressures that could persist. “All baseball players are mentally driven—we press, overcompensate, and get in our own heads,” he explained. “What Judge displayed in the playoffs might carry over, especially with tougher AL East pitching staffs ahead. I believe the struggles will continue.”
Though Judge has been a consistent regular-season force when healthy, Papelbon emphasized that the first month of 2025 will be critical. “He’ll need to find a new spark or adjust his approach,” Papelbon added, doubting Judge’s ability to swiftly rebound.
While Yankees fans may dismiss Papelbon’s take, his argument highlights the heightened competition within the AL East and the mental challenges even elite players face. Judge’s track record as a regular-season MVP contender remains undeniable, but Papelbon’s warning underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball’s mental grind.
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