New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was left stranded in the 2023 season when the rest of the hitting lineup didn’t turn up. Despite skipping 58 games owing to a toe injury, Judge finished as the team’s best hitter. Regardless, this season, Judge will have a new hitting partner in three-time All-Star slugger Juan Soto.
The Yankees traded Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres on a one-year guarantee. However, as far as the dynamic duo’s hitting order is concerned, skipper Aaron Boone is facing a deep conundrum. Amid uncertainties and confusion, Judge sent an indirect message to the team manager about his preferred batting position during a charity event.
Aaron Judge To Bat Below Juan Soto In 2024?
The New York Yankees mainly traded Juan Soto to put an end to withstanding offensive woes. However, another big reason behind his signing was to provide a supporting hitter for captain Aaron Judge. Due to the lack of an anchor in the hitting order, Judge has been subject to intense pressure. Thus, the initial plan was to place Soto behind Judge in the hitting order, thus allowing the captain to play with sheer freedom. However, the former AL-MVP begs to differ with Aaron Boone’s master plan. Judge recently hosted a charity gala dinner for his All Rise foundation and answered a fan question related to his ideal hitting order. The slugger initially seemed reluctant but gave away the top three names.
Aaron Judge said he wants to see DJ LeMahieu as a leadoff hitter, Juan Soto at second, and he would love to come out at number 3. “Just keep the top three, DJ, Soto, and me, and we’ll get it going for them,” said Aaron Judge. Having said that, Judge’s statement comes at a crucial juncture. Just two weeks ahead of spring training, the skipper and the captain are at a crossroads. However, the duo get along really well. Thus, they are expected to find a middle ground during spring training. Also, the batting order is the least of the Judge’s concerns right now. All he needs to prioritize is staying healthy throughout the season. And also maintain his natural form to contribute to the best of his ability. Overall, the Judge-Soto duo has promised fireworks in the coming season, thus reigniting fans’ hope of a turnaround.
Aaron Boone Reveals Workload Management Plan For Judge!
Meanwhile, in a recent conversation with Jomboy, Aaron Boone opened up on his plans for Aaron Judge. When asked about the captain’s workload management plan for the coming season, the skipper confirmed that he won’t rest Judge till he is 100% fit. The manager understands that Judge is at his best when healthy.
Thus, he wouldn’t risk keeping him on the bench without any underlying injury concerns. Aaron Judge fought through a gruesome toe injury in 2023. He barely escaped an off-season surgery. Thus, the conditioning team needs to be wary of his workload. Moreover, as Boone plans to pencil Judge in the center field, the added responsibility could result in the wear and tear of Judge’s tall physique.
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