Aaron Judge discusses Yankees’ offseason, ‘running it back,’ and playing in WBC

Yankees captain Aaron Judge spoke following Monday’s first full squad workout…

On this offseason…

Judge admitted it was brutal watching this offseason play out early on with the team not very active in free agency, and the uncertainty around Cody Bellinger’s future stretching in to the New Year.

“I see a lot of free agent’s out there, I see a lot of guys like the Bellinger’s, the [Trent] Grisham’s, the [Paul] Goldschmidt’s — it was like let’s sign these guys right now and then start adding some more pieces because I’m seeing other teams around the league get better with trades and signings.

“It was tough there in the beginning, but I think once we solidified Bellinger back, we solidified Trent back as our centerfielder, then you add a guy like Goldy and some of the backend bullpen pieces like we’ve been doing, I think we’re in a good spot,” he said.

“But early on, it was definitely tough to watch, it’s like we’re the New York Yankees, let’s go out there and get the right people, get the right pieces and go out there and finish this things off — it was frustrating, but I think we’re right where we need to be.”

Judge admitted that he did voice some frustration to the front office, particularly on retaining Bellinger, but is glad they were able to take care of business.

On the Yanks “running it back…”

While much has been made with this squad essentially running it back with the same roster that fell short last season, he loves the team as currently constructed.

“People might have their opinions on it, because we didn’t win it all last year and we fell short in the division series, but we get a chance to bring a lot of those guys back — they’re impact players for us.

“You bring a guy back like Bellinger who can play all over the diamond, come up a big hit when you need him. Goldschmidt who is an MVP, has played all over, just what he brings not only on the field but in the clubhouse, he elevates with the young group we have,” Judge said.

“I’m excited. You get another year for the young guys to develop, bring back some big pieces, especially Grisham our center fielder who had a breakout year, so I’m looking forward to it. Then you add G Cole down the line with some other guys, I like our chances.”

On his elbow…

Judge was slowed down by a flexor strain in his right elbow towards the end of last season, but he’s back to 100 percent at the beginning of camp.

Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) heads for the dugout between innings during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“It’s feeling great,” he said. “I haven’t had any issues so far, I think we’re ready to go. I’m out there throwing confidently, I’ve thrown to the bases a couple of times already, so no worries — excited to get out there and have that confidence.

“That was the toughest thing for me last year, the pitcher working his butt off and the guys working their butts off, and a ball gets hit to me and it’s kind of like I had no shot — so excited to get back out there and do my thing for the team.”

Judge is scheduled to play in “four or five” of the Yanks’ first nine spring games.

On leading USA in the WBC…

Judge is excited for the opportunity to captain USA in his first World Baseball Classic.

“The time is right,” he said. “In 2023 being a free agent I didn’t know where I was going to go, then coming back to the Yankees and being named the captain, I didn’t want to miss out on that first spring training being the captain, I wanted to be around the guys.

“The time is now to do it. USA came up a little short year, but it’s an exciting group of guys. [Mark DeRosa’s] got quite a squad he’s put together so far, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s happened — it’s pretty cool.”

He’s looking forward to a rematch with the defending champion, Team Japan.

“Definitely hoping to see them in the Finals,” Judge said. “They’re the reigning champs and they have a great squad coming back, so I think that’s why Team USA really bulked it up this year to go out there and take care of business.

“If they’re bringing back the same crew, it’s gonna be a heavyweight fight, that’s for sure.”

Judge began throwing a little earlier than usual, but he didn’t have to change his offseason routine too much to ensure he’s ready for USA’s opening matchup.

On what he’s working on…

Judge doesn’t have too much to improve after taking home his second straight MVP, but he’s been working on taking a step forward in one area of his game in particular.

“Baserunning’s on my mind this year a lot,” he said. “I saw a lot of guys around the league with 40, 30 stolen bases that you don’t normally expect to be running that much — especially with how the game’s changed with the pickoffs and pitch clock.

“I think that’s one way we can utilize some of my skills a little bit more.

“With the lineup we have, this was probably the best offense in all of baseball last year — if I can find a way to get myself in scoring position, if they’re going to walk me or do something, then some good things are going to happen.”

Judge swiped 12 bases last season, just four shy of his career-high.

On the energy so far in camp…

Judge feels a different energy after the Yanks were knocked out by the division-rival Blue Jays in the ALDS last year.

“Any time you don’t take it all the way and win the championship you get a bad taste in your mouth,” he said. “I think guys are definitely motivated and ready to go, there’s a different energy coming in, especially when you lose to a division rival like that where you’re tied with the same record, they have the tiebreaker.

“The boys came ready to work, so I’m looking forward to changing that script and going all the way.”

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