Yankees Star Aaron Judge Laments 'Brutal' Offseason

Judge frustrated by Yankees' slow offseason moves compared to division rivals

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Even Yankees captain Aaron Judge had a difficult time watching the club's slow-moving offseason, which saw the team focus on re-signing internal free agents rather than making big splashes in the open market like their division rivals. Judge expressed frustration at the Yankees' lack of activity early in the offseason, but was relieved when the team eventually re-signed key players like Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham.

Why it matters

As the face of the Yankees franchise, Judge's comments reflect the high expectations and impatience of the team's fanbase, who are accustomed to the Yankees being aggressive in free agency and trades. The team's relatively quiet offseason, especially compared to moves made by rivals like the Blue Jays and Red Sox, raised concerns about the team's ability to compete in the AL East.

The details

The Yankees spent nearly $200 million this winter on free agents, but they were all internal free agents like Bellinger and Grisham. This was a stark contrast from the team's division rivals, who made big splashes in free agency and trades. Judge said he was frustrated watching other teams 'get better' while the Yankees 'were sitting there for a while, kind of making smaller moves.' However, Judge was relieved when the team eventually re-signed Bellinger and Grisham, saying they 'add a dynamic to this team that's been missing for quite a few years.'

  • In November 2025, the Yankees extended a $22 million qualifying offer to outfielder Trent Grisham, who accepted the one-year deal to return.
  • Around the same time in November 2025, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner enraged the team's fanbase by saying he'd like to spend less money on payroll.
  • It would be another two months until December 2025 when Bellinger, considered the Yankees' top free agent priority, signed a $162.5 million deal to return to the Bronx.

The players

Aaron Judge

The captain of the New York Yankees and one of the team's star players.

Hal Steinbrenner

The owner of the New York Yankees, who angered fans by saying he'd like to spend less money on payroll.

Cody Bellinger

A free agent outfielder who the Yankees re-signed to a $162.5 million deal.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder who the Yankees re-signed to a $22 million qualifying offer.

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What they’re saying

“It was brutal. I see a lot of free agents out there. I see a lot of guys like the Bellingers, the Grishams, the Goldschmidts.”

— Aaron Judge, Yankees Captain

“Let's sign these guys right now and then start adding more pieces.”

— Aaron Judge, Yankees Captain

“I'm seeing other teams around the league get better. They're making trades, they're signing big prospects or big players and we kind of were sitting there for a while, kind of making smaller moves.”

— Aaron Judge, Yankees Captain

What’s next

The Yankees will look to build on their offseason moves and compete for a World Series title in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

As the face of the Yankees franchise, Aaron Judge's frustration with the team's slow offseason reflects the high expectations and impatience of the team's fanbase, who are accustomed to the Yankees being aggressive in free agency and trades. The team's relatively quiet offseason, especially compared to moves made by rivals, raised concerns about their ability to compete in the AL East, but the eventual re-signing of key players like Bellinger and Grisham has Judge feeling optimistic about the team's chances.