Yankees Captain Aaron Judge Concerned Over Lack of Offseason Signings

Judge expressed frustration as high-profile free agents continued signing with other teams.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge was concerned, like many Yankees fans, as prominent free agents continued signing with other teams during the offseason. Judge acknowledged the team's lack of major roster moves this winter.

Why it matters

The Yankees have been one of the most active teams in free agency in recent years, but their relative inactivity this offseason has raised questions about the team's plans and ability to compete in the AL East.

The details

Judge, the Yankees' captain and reigning AL MVP, said he was frustrated to see top free agents like Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, and Xander Bogaerts sign elsewhere while the Yankees made only minor moves. The Yankees have typically been aggressive in free agency, but this offseason has been more quiet as they focus on re-signing their own players like Judge.

  • The 2023 MLB season is set to begin in late March.

The players

Aaron Judge

The star outfielder and captain of the New York Yankees.

Carlos Correa

An All-Star shortstop who signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins.

Trea Turner

An All-Star shortstop who signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Xander Bogaerts

An All-Star shortstop who signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Padres.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a little anxious, like the fans are, to see what we're going to do. But I trust the front office. They've done it before, they'll do it again.”

— Aaron Judge (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Yankees will look to make additional roster moves before the start of spring training to address their needs and appease Judge and the team's fanbase.

The takeaway

The Yankees' relatively quiet offseason has raised concerns about their ability to compete with other top teams in the AL East, but the team's front office will need to act quickly to assure their star player and fans that they remain committed to fielding a championship-caliber roster.