Yankees' Aaron Judge Expresses Frustration Over Offseason Moves

Michael Kay questions Judge's 'passive aggressive' comments about the team's slow start to the offseason.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge expressed frustration with the team's slow start to the offseason, saying "it was pretty tough to watch" as the Yankees waited to make moves. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay questioned Judge's comments, describing them as "somewhat passive aggressive" given that Judge also said he's pleased with the team's eventual offseason moves, including re-signing Cody Bellinger.

Why it matters

As a team leader and face of the franchise, Judge's comments about the Yankees' offseason strategy carry significant weight. His remarks highlight the pressure on the Yankees organization to be aggressive in the offseason and build a championship-caliber roster around their star player.

The details

During a radio interview, Kay said he was confused by Judge's comments, noting that once the Yankees made Bellinger a priority, they were "victims to Scott Boras' whim" and had to wait out the free agent process. Kay argued that the Yankees couldn't have pursued other targets like Alex Bregman or Kyle Tucker given their roster construction. Judge said he expressed his frustrations to the Yankees front office, but ultimately is satisfied with the team's offseason moves.

  • On Feb. 16, 2026, Aaron Judge spoke about the Yankees' offseason at spring training.
  • On Feb. 17, 2026, Michael Kay discussed Judge's comments on his ESPN Radio show.

The players

Aaron Judge

The star outfielder of the New York Yankees who expressed frustration with the team's slow start to the offseason.

Michael Kay

The voice of the Yankees on YES Network and host of an eponymous ESPN NY radio show, who questioned Judge's "passive aggressive" comments.

Cody Bellinger

A free agent outfielder/first baseman that the Yankees prioritized re-signing this offseason.

Brian Cashman

The general manager of the New York Yankees who made the offseason moves that Judge ultimately expressed satisfaction with.

Scott Boras

The agent for Cody Bellinger who the Yankees had to wait out during the free agent process.

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What they’re saying

“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, get the right pieces to go out there and finish this thing off.' We got a special group of players here, we got a good core, good young core. So it was frustrating, but I think we're right where we need to be.”

— Aaron Judge (New York Post)

“Didn't it seem somewhat to you passive aggressive? Like, he was frustrated but then he loves the team that they have. So, what was he frustrated about? Just the pace, that they didn't do things right away? If you're gonna lock in to getting Bellinger, then you're a victim to Scott Boras' whim. So, to me, it sounded almost passive aggressive.”

— Michael Kay, Yankees Broadcaster (ESPN New York)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Aaron Judge's comments highlight the high expectations and pressure on the Yankees organization to be aggressive in the offseason and build a championship-caliber roster around their star player. The team's ability to balance those expectations with a measured approach will be crucial as they aim to return to the playoffs.