Aaron Judge Offseason: MVP Hits .331 and Recovers from 67.9 MPH Throwing Injury

Aaron Judge enters spring training healthy after a season where he hit 53 homers and led the majors with a 1.144 OPS.

Aaron Judge reported to the New York Yankees' first full-squad workout in Tampa on Monday following a historic season where he hit a major-league-best .331 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs. The 33-year-old captain, who led the American League with 124 walks and topped the majors with a 1.144 OPS, faced 22-year-old right-hander Carlos Lagrange during live batting practice. Judge launched a home run over the left-field wall against a 99.3 mph pitch from the 6-foot-7 prospect before striking out on a 102.6 mph fastball. This Aaron Judge offseason follows his third AL MVP win in four years, a campaign in which he became the fourth player in MLB history to record four seasons of 50 or more home runs, joining Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa.

Frustration Over Winter Roster Moves

Judge described the early months of the winter as "brutal" and "tough to watch" as the Yankees remained relatively quiet while rivals secured big-name free agents and prospects. While the team retained center fielder Trent Grisham early in the schedule, the captain admitted to being frustrated by the lack of immediate additions. "I'm like, 'Man, we're the New York Yankees. Let's go out there and get the right people,'" Judge remarked. He confirmed that he expressed these concerns directly to the front office, flashing a toothy grin when asked if he made his thoughts known. Despite the slow start, the captain now believes the roster is positioned correctly for a run at the franchise's first World Series title since 2009.

Recovery from Right Elbow Flexor Strain

The Yankees captain revealed that an elbow injury suffered on July 22 in Toronto never fully healed during the previous season. The injury occurred on a throw to home plate, resulting in a flexor strain that sidelined Judge for 10 games between July 25 and August 5. Upon returning to the field on September 5, his throwing velocity was limited to a gingerly 67.9 mph. Although he regained some arm strength as the year progressed, he never reached 100% capacity. Judge admitted to significant concern regarding the ailment, as he had never previously dealt with elbow issues, and he remained uncertain about needing surgery until post-season medical checks cleared him for a standard throwing program.

Full Strength for the 2024 Campaign

Heading into the current spring training session, Judge declared his right arm is back to full strength and he has already resumed throwing to bases without restriction. This health update follows a postseason performance where he went 13-for-36 with seven RBIs and a 1.273 OPS. The captain noted that the most difficult aspect of the previous year was the lack of confidence in his arm when balls were hit to him in the outfield. Beyond his duties with New York, Judge is set to captain the United States team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He emphasized that being cleared by doctors allowed him to focus entirely on physical conditioning rather than rehabilitation during the latter half of the Aaron Judge offseason.

Spring Training Matchups in Tampa

Monday's workout at the team's Florida complex also featured pitcher Carlos Rodon, who threw a 20-pitch bullpen session as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery. The contrast between the veteran stars and rising talent was evident as Judge faced Lagrange, a pitcher who finished the previous season at the Double-A level. While Judge successfully navigated the postseason with a high OPS, the lack of a championship remains a primary motivator. The captain's focus remains on the team's evolution from the "smaller moves" of the early winter to the current squad he believes is "right where we need to be" to compete for a title.