Where will Yankees Captain Aaron Judge play? The exact position of Judge remains unclear, and the Yankees’ GM Aaron Boone’s statement just made things more confusing. While Judge has played as a centerfielder, right-fielder, and designated hitter, the plans are on to put him at bases this year, which has higher relevance considering how the projected lineup of the Yankees for this year got ridiculed by the fans.
The Yankees’ fans are still wondering how the projected lineup can get the team to the postseason with a lack of depth in a few areas. In this situation, Boone made clear that they are still working on the lineup and nothing has finally been decided yet. Well, Judge’s experience and hitting prowess can come in handy at the bases, but who to take charge at the right field? What should be the most logical lineup for the Yankees this year, keeping Judge at the bases?
Will Aaron Judge play a new position?
Last year, Aaron Judge started at the center field but then opted for the left field due to the absence of Alex Verdugo. So he got comfortable at the plate last year, amassing 31 HRs by June. His all-time records, including becoming MVP last year, are all from his right-field position. His versatility among the outfield options is second to none. Judge played 78 games in the center field, 73 games in the right field, and 25 games as a designated hitter, which won him the AL MVP award that year. So, what made Aaron Boone think of putting him at the bases?
Aaron Boone says that he currently leans toward hitting Aaron Judge second in the lineup but that he has not made a final decision yet: pic.twitter.com/I5cGaqJQ6E
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 16, 2025
“Right now my lean is second but I also know that he loves third,” Boone noted in the spring training press meet, so what does that mean for Aaron Judge? He is all set to play at 2B or the third this year. The primary reason behind his shuffle may be DJ LeMahieu, whose injuries and dipping form from the last few years are a major concern for the Yankees.
As per the projected lineup for 2025, LeMahieu is placed third, but his last year’s figures include 2 HRs and 26 RBIs in 67 games only. This performance is nothing worthy of offering reliability at the third base. Hence, putting Oswald Cabrera at the third and placing Judge to lead at 2B can ensure a better run-scoring stint for the Yankees this year.
Ways ahead for the team
“I haven’t decided anything yet especially when I don’t know which way to go for the leadoff spot,” said Boone on his decision. This indicates that the team is going through all the available options, including ensuring enough protection for the starting rotation. Now that opening day is still a month away, Boone has enough time to decide. As Judge prefers to play at the third, putting him there will be the best option. Otherwise, Cabrera needs to place at the third while Judge will take the second. In that case, the current second baseman, Jazz Chisholm Jr., needs to relocate to the right-field, which might be possible considering he plays at centerfield.
All hopes are centered around Aaron Judge to get more runs on board. Considering the Yankees planned to put rookie Jasson Dominguez at first base, Captain Judge got an additional responsibility to hit from the second or third. Nevertheless, there is still some time left, and fans need to test their patience to get the final projected lineup. Boone’s statement about fielding a team that is deemed to be the best is the only chill pill fans need to take amid the uncertainty.
What do you think is the best position for Judge? Share your views with us below.
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