Aaron Judge: "We’ve got All-Stars, Cy Young candidates and former MVPs...Let’s see what we can go out there and do”
It has been a phenomenal 12-month period for New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. He broke the American League single-season home run record, won the AL MVP and was named the 2022 Male Athlete of the Year. He also signed a colossal $360 million deal that will see him return to the Bronx for the next nine seasons.
After what was arguably the greatest offensive season in the history of baseball, Judge was honored by being named the club's captain. But as Uncle Ben told Peter Parker (Spider-Man), with great power comes great responsibility. The pressure will be on the captain to lead this team to their first World Series since 2009.
Speaking at spring training, Aaron Judge sounded upbeat and optimistic about the Yankees' chances in 2023:
"We’ve got All-Stars, Cy Young candidates and former MVPs on this team. Let’s see what we can go out there and do this season."
According to a recent MLB article, Judge believes this roster possesses talent on both the offensive and defensive sides. His belief will provide his teammates with a level of confidence.
"I know what we’re capable of," added Judge
Last season, the Yankees had six players selected for the All-Star Game. Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton were all voted in.
All Rise: Judge leaves the building Vs Marinaccio deep to left center. #AaronJudge #AllRise #Yankees https://t.co/jklr88yKW6
"All Rise: Judge leaves the building Vs Marinaccio deep to left center. #AaronJudge #AllRise #Yankees" - Dugout Station
Nestor Cortes Jr., Clay Holmes and Jose Trevino were also called up for their first-ever All-Star Game.
The New York Yankees will aim for a WS title after re-signing Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million contract
Along with the six returning All-Stars from last season, the Yankees have added a seventh in Carlos Rodon. The veteran lefty spent last season with the San Francisco Giants, where he finished with a 14-8 record and a 2.88 ERA. Rodon recorded 237 strikeouts over 178 innings and held opposing hitters to a .202 average.
Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Clay Holmes are the pitchers that will represent the Yankees on the American League All Star roster! https://t.co/p97kpuuqej
"Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Clay Holmes are the pitchers that will represent the Yankees on the American League All Star roster!" - Talkin' Yanks
The organization will hope Josh Donaldson can also return to his 2015 form. The infielder was voted the AL MVP that year after recording 41 home runs and 123 RBIs.
New York Yankees fans are desperate to end their World Series drought, which has lasted nearly 15 years. While Aaron Judge has done well to collect a long list of personal accolades, he will now be expected to deliver a championship to the Bronx.