There is a distinction between “overreacting” and simply recognizing that a situation may take a negative turn.
Aaron Judge’s nine-year career with the New York Yankees speaks for itself in terms of impressive statistics, but he has yet to establish himself as a postseason game-changer. As the 2025 season looms, this could be Judge’s last opportunity to protect his legacy from faltering. His task will be two-fold: to deliver another outstanding regular season and to finally conquer his struggles in October. Additionally, he’ll need to see some of the key acquisitions he reportedly advocated for succeed.
Judge’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance; he also serves as an important voice within the Yankees’ front office. The success of new arrivals like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger will, in part, rest on his leadership as he aims to reverse a narrative that grows more concerning. Last year, for instance, Alex Verdugo’s performance largely fell on Judge’s watch.
When discussing next season, it’s impossible to ignore Juan Soto’s departure. While Soto was a vital part of the lineup, easing some pressure off Judge, the Yankees’ offense will look different without him. Judge will need to sustain his productivity if the team aims for another World Series appearance. Despite the addition of players like Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., Judge will likely lack a disciplined hitter like Soto in front of him.
Aaron Judge
Judge has proven capable of carrying a lineup during the regular season, as evidenced by his 62-homer season, and despite playing just 106 games in 2023, he still hit 37 home runs and posted a 1.019 OPS. If he stays healthy, it’s reasonable to expect more of the same during the spring and summer months. However, Judge’s legacy will ultimately be judged by his postseason performance.
In October, Judge has been underwhelming. He batted .184 across 14 games last year and committed one of the most significant (and embarrassing) errors in the World Series. His postseason batting average is just .205, and he has yet to produce a truly remarkable run in any of the Yankees’ recent playoff appearances.
Whether fair or not, the perception is that Judge struggles when the postseason arrives. While many Yankees fans continue to support him, time is running out for Judge to prove that his legacy will extend beyond regular season dominance, front office involvement, and postseason disappointment.
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