Yankees Make Aaron Judge Decision at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 3:49 PM ET

The New York Yankees offense will look almost identical this year to how it did a season ago, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, New York still has the best hitter in the league anchoring the top of the order: right‑handed slugger Aaron Judge.

The 33‑year‑old is coming off his third American League MVP Award, adding to a career that already includes an AL Rookie of the Year, seven All‑Star selections and five Silver Sluggers.

Last season, Judge claimed his first batting title, proving he is far more than just a power threat. Across 152 games, he posted a .331 batting average, .457 on‑base percentage, 1.144 OPS, 53 home runs and 114 RBIs.

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99)© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Judge’s individual success carried into October, but it still was not enough as the Yankees fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Even so, there is plenty of optimism entering 2026.

Judge remains firmly in his prime, and he will have an eventful March leading into Opening Day. He has reported to spring training, though he will soon depart to captain Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

At the same time, he is using this spring to continue strengthening his right elbow after dealing with a flexor strain last year, making these early reps important.

With that in mind, the Yankees decided on Thursday that Judge will not play in Friday’s spring opener against the Baltimore Orioles. He is scheduled to start in right field on Saturday and serve as designated hitter on Sunday (h/t Bryan Hoch of MLB.com). Those appearances will be monitored closely with the WBC approaching in just a few weeks.

Aaron Judge will make his spring debut Saturday in RF, then DH on Sunday.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 19, 2026

Judge remains the face of the franchise, and the Yankees’ long‑term commitment reflects that. He signed a nine‑year, $360 million contract in 2022 that runs through the 2031 season, a deal that positions him to finish his career in pinstripes.

A World Series title in the Bronx would cement his legacy as one of the greatest Yankees ever, and his health remains central to the team’s hopes this season. Judge is still the most intimidating hitter in the league, capable of carrying an offense for months at a time. With a deeper roster around him, the window remains wide open.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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