Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, recently addressed the team’s decision to designate D.J. LeMahieu for assignment, putting to rest rumors that Judge had opposed the move. The veteran infielder’s exit in September 2024 stunned many fans, who are now divided over the team’s direction.
LeMahieu had been a vital contributor since signing a two-year contract with the Yankees before the 2019 season, earning two Silver Slugger awards and a batting title, while ranking highly in American League MVP voting. Despite his achievements, the Yankees chose to move on to allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to take over at second base, while still owing LeMahieu over $22 million in guaranteed money.
Judge Clarifies His Role and Comments on Front Office Decisions
When questioned about the reports that he had protested LeMahieu’s release, Judge firmly denied having any say in personnel decisions, emphasizing his focus on playing rather than managing the team‘s roster.
I’m a player. I don’t make decisions,
Judge told the New York Daily News.
That’s more of a front office thing. So I got nothing on that. If they’re listening to what the players are doing, then maybe we should get paid a little bit more to do their jobs too.
Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ general manager, also refuted the rumors. He called the story “110 percent false” and confirmed no such protest from Judge had influenced the front office’s actions.
Judge Reflects on LeMahieu’s Commitment and Team-First Attitude
Despite the circumstances surrounding LeMahieu’s departure, Judge expressed deep respect for his teammate’s dedication and resilience over the years. He described LeMahieu as a “gamer” who consistently prioritized the team’s needs, even playing through injuries.
He did anything that the team asked him,
Judge explained.
He showed up every single day ready to play. I know he battled through some injuries. I even go back to 2019. He had a groin injury going on early in the year, and he kind of told the team like, ‘I’m not going on the IL. I gotta be out there. Even if it’s 60 percent, I’m going to battle through it and play.’
So just seeing that type of commitment to the team just motivates me to go out there and try to play every day as much as I can.
However, Judge acknowledged that LeMahieu’s physical challenges eventually affected his performance. Cashman admitted that LeMahieu was not capable of playing third base effectively before the season started, with his production declining notably over the past three years. This included a sharp drop in extra-base hits, with only 12 recorded in 329 at-bats after signing a six-year, $90 million contract post-2021.
Judge Honors LeMahieu’s Influence on the Team and Fan Base
In closing, Judge reflected on LeMahieu’s meaningful time with the Yankees, highlighting his value both on and off the field.
I’m just wishing [LeMahieu] the best,
Judge said.
He’s meant a lot to this team and a lot to us in this clubhouse, the fan base, so it’s tough.
The Yankees now face the challenge of integrating new players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. into critical roles, while the fan base adjusts to the departure of a respected veteran. Judge’s comments provide insight into the clubhouse’s mixed emotions as the team looks ahead to future seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He is one of only five players to achieve three seasons with 50 home runs.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted the day after he was born, on April 27, 1992, by teachers named Patty and Wayne Judge. When he was about 10 years old, he noticed he looked different from his parents and understood he was adopted.
Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, is an American who plays professional baseball. He is an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. Judge has been selected for the MLB All-Star team seven times and has won the American League Most Valuable Player Award twice. He also set the American League record by hitting 62 home runs in one season.
Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?
A. Aaron Judge has decided not to grow a beard, even though the Yankees have changed their rules about facial hair.