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Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Reveals 2025 Lineup Plans for Aaron Judge

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Feb 26, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Aaron Judge spent most of his career hitting second in the New York Yankees lineup. Last season, the Yankees' captain dropped to the No. 3 spot to make room for Juan Soto, who filled the spot typically reserved for the team’s best hitter.

In 2025, Judge will return to the No. 2 spot, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed during an appearance on the "Foul Territory" podcast.

“Right now, I’m hitting Judgey second just because we are very left-handed,” Boone said. “Especially with Giancarlo (Stanton) out.”

Boone then discussed who would replace Judge in the No. 3 spot with hosts A.J. Pierzynski and Erik Kratz.

“It could be Jazz (Chisholm Jr.) or it could be (Cody Bellinger), it depends. It could be different if we’re facing a lefty,” Boone said. “So I don’t know yet.”

Judge has started 529 of his 993 major league games hitting second.

While it’s traditional for managers to place their best hitters in the No. 3 spot, modern analytics suggest that the No. 2 position gives hitters 18 to 30 more plate appearances and more at-bats with runners on base. Hitters with a strong combination of power and on-base percentage are often placed in the No. 2 hole to maximize their offensive potential. Some projections suggest that moving a team’s best hitter from third to second can add five to 15 more runs over the course of a season.

The real debate surrounding the Yankees lineup is who will surround Judge.

Chisholm is a potential leadoff hitter with his speed, but his on-base percentage is slightly below ideal for that role. However, he has the power to hit behind and protect Judge.

Bellinger seems like a strong candidate for the No. 3 spot. A left-handed hitter with power, the Yankees are hoping the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium will revive Bellinger’s 2019 National League MVP form, when he hit 34 home runs.

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

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