Yankees' Season Outlook With Judge's Potential Return
Key Questions
How have the Yankees performed without Aaron Judge?
The Yankees are 18-19 without Judge and on a 5-15 skid in their last 20 games, scoring under 5 runs in 20 straight contests. They swept the Phillies for a minor positive.
Will Aaron Judge's injury affect the Yankees' trade deadline plans?
Boone indicated the team still expects Judge back, so trade aggressiveness is unchanged. Speculation includes targets like CJ Abrams, Tarik Skubal, and others.
What has Aaron Judge said about the Yankees' trade deadline?
Judge deflected specific questions but expressed he is 'looking forward' to seeing how the team addresses the deadline. He believes the team is good but awaits final pieces.
Which players are the Yankees rumored to target at the trade deadline?
Rumors include CJ Abrams, Kirby Yates, Luis Arraez, Zack Gelof, Robbie Ray, Tarik Skubal, Hunter Goodman, and a $23 million bat option.
How has Cody Bellinger's injury impacted the Yankees?
Bellinger is now on the IL, further deepening the team's lineup issues amid ongoing struggles without Judge.
What is the Yankees' record with and without Judge?
The team holds a 36-23 record with Judge and 18-19 without him, highlighting his significant impact on performance.
Are the Yankees expected to buy or sell at the trade deadline?
Judge's injury has prompted speculation about whether they should buy, but Boone maintains plans are unaffected and they expect his return.
What other injuries are affecting the Yankees currently?
Besides Judge, Cody Bellinger is on the IL, Carlos Rodon is sidelined, and the team faces broader offensive challenges.
Judge's possible September return remains central to New York's postseason hopes and could substantially improve an offense that has struggled without him. A direct return to right field could preserve Luis García Jr.'s productive role, while Grisham, Spencer Jones, and Heliot Ramos remain roster considerations; expectations should account for possible early rust after the layoff.