Yankees Captain Aaron Judge Fretted Over Offseason Moves

Judge says he was frustrated watching top free agents sign elsewhere during the offseason.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge admitted he was frustrated watching top free agents sign with other teams during much of the offseason, but is now pleased with the team's late additions. Judge, who won his third AL MVP award last season, said the slow offseason felt "brutal" and he urged the team to be more aggressive in signing players.

Why it matters

As the captain of the Yankees, Judge's perspective on the team's offseason moves carries significant weight. His comments reflect the concerns of many Yankees fans who were hoping for the team to be more active in free agency to improve the roster and make a deeper playoff run after falling short of a World Series title last year.

The details

Judge said he was concerned about his right elbow injury that caused him to miss time last season, but tests showed he avoided needing surgery and his elbow is now at full strength. During the team's first full-squad workout, Judge hit a long drive off 22-year-old flamethrower Carlos Lagrange but also struck out against him, showcasing the high-level talent he will face this season.

  • Judge missed 10 games between July 25 and Aug. 5 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow.
  • Judge didn't return to the outfield until Sept. 5 and was throwing at only 67.9 mph.

The players

Aaron Judge

The captain of the New York Yankees who won his third AL MVP award last season, hitting .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs.

Carlos Lagrange

A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who reached Double-A last season and overpowered Judge during the team's first full-squad 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, Yankees Captain (daytondailynews.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, Yankees Captain (daytondailynews.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue preparing for the upcoming season, with Judge leading the team as they look to capture their first World Series title since 2009.

The takeaway

As the face of the Yankees franchise, Judge's frustration with the team's slow offseason moves reflects the high expectations of both the team and its fans. However, the late additions and Judge's clean bill of health provide optimism that the Yankees can make a deep playoff run this year.