Yankees captain Aaron Judge, sidelined with injuries, is closely observing what moves GM Brian Cashman might make before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. He is hoping for key additions — and he believes they should happen. 'We're going to be all in,' Judge remarked.
What Judge is watching for
Judge won't identify specific players as targets — that could be considered tampering — but he's aware of the same rumors circulating among fans. The Yankees have long been interested in top relievers like Padres’ closer Mason Miller. Adding a quality catcher is still on the list, and they're also in need of an outfielder to boost offense until he and Cody Bellinger return from the injured list.
He knows the team needs a temporary solution while his absence and Bellinger’s injury affect run production. But Judge also realizes the trade deadline is uncertain. 'We'll see,' he said.
Expanded playoffs complicate the math
With MLB’s 2022 addition of a third wild-card spot, more than two-thirds of teams are in or near a playoff spot. For Judge and the Yankees, that means the race is more competitive than ever. 'You can speculate,' he said, 'but it's tough with how many teams can make the postseason now.'
The Yankees are in a solid position — 61-47 on the season, holding the first AL wild-card spot and trailing the Rays by just 2 1/2 games. However, they recently endured a 11-13 stretch from June 25 to July 8.
The lineup's next phase
Judge, Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton are all projected to return by September. Their return could dramatically improve the lineup. 'We've already got a great lineup,' Judge said. And we're going to get better.'
Until then, the Yankees must rely on other players to stay competitive. That’s what this trade deadline is all about — securing short-term help to keep the team in good standing until their core is fully healthy again.
For Judge, the wait to return is frustrating. His fractured rib is still under review, and the next MRI hasn’t been scheduled. 'It's killing me (not playing),' he admitted.