Aaron Judge explains why 2026 feels different for the Yankees
May 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after making the third out in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after making the third out in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Yankees haven’t celebrated a World Series title in 16 years, and patience is wearing thin in the Bronx. But if you ask Aaron Judge, this season might finally bring the championship parade back home.
While speaking with Esquire, the Yankees captain expressed optimism about winning the World Series this year.
“There’s a lot of winning going on in New York, so we've got to keep that going. I like the team we have. I like the opportunity we’ve got in front of us. It’s going to be an exciting rest of the year,” Judge said on June 15.
May 24, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) after hitting a walk off two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
May 24, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) after hitting a walk off two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Well, Judge is not wrong, the Yankees have been firing this season and even without half their actual strength. The Yankees sit at the top of the AL East division with a 45-27 record.
That's not all, they've won nine of their last 11 games, and they've done it without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Trent Grisham, and Max Fried.
Following their recent 10-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox, in which Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered, Aaron Boone said with a smile that the team has been working like a machine.
“When everyone’s playing a role, and you’re getting meaningful contributions from everyone, it leads to good times and good vibes,” manager Aaron Boone said. “You love it that way. You’re going to go through your challenging moments, so you try to embrace this and keep it going as best you can.”
Everything is working for the Yankees right now, except the injuries. The batting lineup has been red-hot, the bullpen has improved significantly, and the starting rotation has been firing on all cylinders, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Cam Schlittler leading the charge.
Aaron Judge issues a bold warning
The captain has been out of action for weeks due to injury. However, despite his absence, the team has not slowed its ascent. Seeing that, Judge sent a bold warning to the rest of the league.
“A Knicks championship in June and a Yankees World Series in October would bring world peace. I play the game to win. I play the game to be a champion. You want to go out there and be the best for your family and friends and your fans,” said the captain.
According to CBS Sports, Judge will have to rest for at least 3–4 weeks before making a comeback. Add another two weeks for rehab, and his return timeline points to sometime in August, and once he comes back, he will continue his bashing.
That said, what are your thoughts about the Yankees winning the World Series? State your opinion in the comments.
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Written by
Suryakant Das
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore