What's Happening?
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will not require surgery on his right elbow, as confirmed by Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Judge, who suffered a flexor tendon injury in July, was limited in his throwing
capabilities but managed to return to the lineup in August. Despite the injury, Judge had an impressive season, leading the majors in batting average, OPS, and WAR, while hitting 53 home runs and 114 RBIs. Boone expects Judge to be the Yankees' everyday right fielder in 2026. Meanwhile, left-hander Carlos Rodón underwent surgery to remove loose bodies and shave a bone spur in his left elbow, which may delay his season start. Rodón, who had a successful season with an 18-9 record and a 3.09 ERA, will have eight weeks of no throwing.
Why It's Important?
The news of Aaron Judge avoiding surgery is significant for the Yankees as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season. Judge's ability to play as the everyday right fielder without surgical intervention ensures stability in the team's lineup. On the other hand, Carlos Rodón's surgery and potential delay in starting the season could impact the Yankees' pitching rotation, requiring adjustments and possibly affecting early-season performance. The Yankees, with a history of 27 World Series titles, are aiming to reclaim their championship status, having last won in 2009. The team's management decisions, including player health and strategic lineup adjustments, are crucial for their success.
What's Next?
Aaron Judge will continue his rehabilitation and strengthening exercises during the offseason to ensure he is ready for the 2026 season. Carlos Rodón will undergo a recovery period of eight weeks without throwing, which could delay his participation in the season's opening games. The Yankees will need to strategize their pitching lineup to accommodate Rodón's absence. Additionally, the team is considering retaining Cody Bellinger as a potential free agent, which could bolster their roster. Manager Aaron Boone's contract runs through 2027, and his leadership will be pivotal in navigating these challenges.
Beyond the Headlines
The Yankees' management is undergoing changes, with bullpen coach Mike Harkey and first base/infield coach Travis Chapman not returning for 2026. Assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler will be replaced by minor league hitting coordinator Jake Hirst. These shifts in coaching staff could influence the team's training and performance strategies. Furthermore, third-base coach Luis Rojas and hitting coach James Rowson are exploring managerial opportunities with other teams, indicating potential shifts in the Yankees' coaching dynamics.
