Yankees Captain Aaron Judge Fretted Over Offseason Moves

Judge says he was frustrated watching top free agents sign elsewhere, but likes New York's late additions.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge says he felt frustrated watching top free agents sign elsewhere during much of the offseason, but likes the team's late additions. After the first full-squad workout, he spoke about the lack of a World Series title last year despite winning his third AL MVP award, homering and striking out against a young flamethrower, captaining the U.S. in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and last year's elbow injury.

Why it matters

As the Yankees' captain and one of the best players in baseball, Judge's perspective on the team's offseason moves and preparations for the upcoming season is highly relevant to fans and the media. His comments provide insight into the team's strategy and the players' mindset as they aim to end their World Series drought.

The details

Judge missed 10 games between July 25 and Aug. 5 last season due to a flexor strain in his right elbow sustained while making a throw home from right field. He didn't return to the outfield until Sept. 5 and his throwing velocity was down, though he gained arm strength by the end of the season. During the first full-squad workout, Judge homered off a 99.3 mph pitch from 22-year-old flamethrower Carlos Lagrange but also struck out on a 102.6 mph fastball from the right-hander.

  • Judge missed 10 games between July 25 and Aug. 5, 2025 due to the elbow injury.
  • Judge returned to the outfield on Sept. 5, 2025.

The players

Aaron Judge

The captain of the New York Yankees who won his third AL MVP award in 2025 despite the team's lack of a World Series title.

Carlos Lagrange

A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who reached Double-A by the end of the 2025 season and overpowered Judge during the spring training workout.

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What they’re saying

“It was brutal. Early on it was pretty tough to watch. I'm like: Man, we're the New York Yankees. Let's go out there and get the right people.”

— Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Captain (nhregister.com)

“They ran all the checks again and did all the tests and they said: `You're good to go.' And I said: All right, when can we start throwing? So it was good. It was great. It was great to hear those words so that now I can go into the offseason and just prepare the way I need to be in the best shape to start the year.”

— Aaron Judge, New York Yankees Captain (nhregister.com)

What’s next

Judge will lead the U.S. team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which begins on March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

As the Yankees' captain and one of the game's elite players, Judge's frustration with the team's slow offseason moves and his determination to lead the team to a World Series title after last year's disappointment underscores the high expectations surrounding the franchise.