Yankees' Aaron Judge to Get Early Spring Training At-Bats

Manager Boone says Judge will play in 4-5 of the team's first 9 Grapefruit League games before joining Team USA for WBC.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that star outfielder Aaron Judge will get more playing time than usual in the team's early spring training games. Boone said Judge will appear in 4-5 of the Yankees' first 9 Grapefruit League games before leaving to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic in early March.

Why it matters

This is an important development for the Yankees as they look to have Judge fully prepared for the upcoming season. After dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow last year, the team wants to ensure Judge gets sufficient at-bats early in spring training to be sharp heading into the WBC and the regular season.

The details

Typically, veteran players like Judge are eased into spring training lineups. However, Boone said the team wants Judge to get in some competitive at-bats early on to make sure he's ready for the WBC and the start of the MLB season. Boone also reiterated that Judge will be a full participant in all full-squad workouts throughout spring training and is facing no limitations with his throwing after the elbow injury that kept him from playing the outfield for about five weeks last year.

  • The Yankees' first Grapefruit League game is on February 25, 2026.
  • Judge will play in 4-5 of the team's first 9 spring training games.
  • Judge will leave the Yankees in early March to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who won his third American League MVP Award in 2025 after batting .331 with 53 home runs, despite missing time due to a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“Veterans like Judge are typically eased into spring lineups, but he'll get in some competitive at-bats early on in camp to ensure he's sharp ahead of the WBC.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (ESPN.com)

What’s next

The Yankees' first Grapefruit League game is on February 25, 2026, so fans will be able to see how Judge performs in the early spring training games before he departs for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The Yankees are taking a proactive approach with Aaron Judge's spring training preparation, ensuring he gets sufficient playing time early on to be ready for the World Baseball Classic and the start of the regular season. This demonstrates the team's commitment to having their star player fully healthy and in top form for the 2026 campaign.