The New York Yankees are lucky to have a captain like Aaron Judge, who succeeded the iconic Derek Jeter. They always put the team before themselves. Whenever the franchise asked the 2022 AL MVP for a favor or a suggestion, he replied, “Whatever the team needs.” For instance, back in 2017, the general manager Brian Cashman asked Judge if he was okay with signing Giancarlo Stanton. Back then, he just came off a great rookie season.
But the GM wanted to know if the rookie was willing to bat at a different position. In reply, Aaron Judge mentioned, “The MVP? What are you guys waiting for?” Moreover, he was willing to bat even below the order if that would help the team. He has been sweet-natured and selfless for the team ever since he made his MLB debut. Lately, the 16th captain in New York’s history mentioned that he had a similar response when the franchise signed Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto last offseason.
Judge Is Glad To Ignore The Warnings Regarding Center Field
Recently, in an interview with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Aaron Judge mentioned that it is a great view from the center field. Moreover, the Yankees captain mentioned that when they started discussing signing Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, his reply was, “Wherever I need to play.” He did not care if he had to play at center or left field, even if it was second or as a DH. The captain is always willing to do what the team needs him to do. Moreover, Aaron Judge said he wanted to make Soto and Verdugo as comfortable as they could make them feel after they came to the clubhouse. Then, the leading home run hitter of the season noted, “I actually love center field.”
However, there have been too many concerns from coaches, announcers, former center fielders and so on about the towering hitter managing to stay healthy at center field. Anyway, fans know how injury-prone Aaron Judge can be and how it can mess things up for the Yankees. Hence, notable people like Sean Casey, hitting coach of the NY side; Michael Kay, play-by-play announcer of the team; Lorenzo Cain, former center fielder; and Bernie Williams, Yankees legend, all voiced their concerns. Nonetheless, the towering slugger has so far managed to avoid any long term issues since he started playing as a center fielder.
Yankees Captain Has Been On Another Level Since May
Aaron Judge mentioned that he has reduced his pregame work throughout the first half of the current season. He said, “Coming out there, things that you do, it wears on you.” That’s why he has reduced the workload a little bit. After playing all these years, the 2022 AL MVP believes he is able to figure things out that might be little but very important. He said, “It’s about being smart.”
So far, over 78 games this season, the 32-year-old towering slugger has hit 28 home runs, a 1.108 OPS, and 70 RBIs, as per ESPN stats. At present, the Yankees are leading the American League East division. They have a two-game advantage over the Baltimore Orioles. Moreover, on Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Aaron Judge as the favorite to win this year’s AL MVP with -140 odds.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
