Yankees Rumors: Aaron Judge back, career revival, trade targets
By Mark Powell
Yankees Rumors: Aaron Judge is back, but what does that mean?
Aaron Judge is back, hitting two home runs on Saturday in a critical comeback over the Tampa Bay Rays. However, just because Judge is rounding into form doesn’t necessarily means fans should expect Superman to put his cap back on right away.
Judge admitted as much, suggesting that as great as last season was, he can’t possibly compare it to this year. Every season is different, and as much as Judge would like to hit 62 home runs again, doing so is very, very unlikely at this juncture.
“If I waste time comparing my stats to last year, I’d be spinning myself in circles,’’ Judge said Friday. “Each year is so different. Sometimes you have a hot start and cool off in the middle. Other years, you start slow and you deal with that. Your numbers are gonna be whatever they are at the end of year. You just make sure you prepare and put in the work. If you worry about it then, you start with the dips and slides.”
Given New York’s early injury struggles, however, getting Judge back in the lineup in any capacity was bound to have an immediate payoff. They’re a far more complete team with him involved, obviously.
New York, as currently constructed, is a playoff team. Whether they reach their World Series aspirations is largely dependent on Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone, and if they make the necessary changes at the deadline.