The New York Yankees are entering the season with some question marks. Their starting rotation has been decimated by injuries, and they are also preparing to be without slugger Giancarlo Stanton for an extended period of time.
They might need to make some moves in order to return to their status as favorites to win the American League pennant in 2025.
However, there is one area that they shouldn’t have to worry about at least for now. Reigning MVP Aaron Judge has shifted back to right field after the loss of Juan Soto and the Cody Bellinger trade.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report lists Judge as the top right fielder in all of Major League Baseball.
“With Juan Soto gone and Cody Bellinger added in a trade with the Cubs, Aaron Judge will shift back to right field this year after seeing the bulk of his action in center field last year,” Reuter wrote.
“With seven years and $280 million remaining on his contract, the Yankees are counting on their captain to lead the way as they chase a return trip to the World Series and their first title since 2009.”
Judge recently won his second AL MVP award. The 32-year-old outfielder is a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner in addition to his MVP trophies.
Last year, the slugger slashed .322/.458/.701 with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, 1.159 OPS and a 10.8 WAR.
If he can stay healthy, he should be able to help the Yankees at least reach the postseason. The Yankees are hoping to make it back to the World Series this fall, and a lot of their success will hinge on Judge’s performance.
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