After spending the majority of the previous season in right field, it is anticipated that Aaron Judge will predominantly assume the role of centerfielder for the New York Yankees in 2024. Manager Aaron Boone provided insights into his envisioned outfield rotation during an interview with the Foul Territory show on January 19.
Boone expressed his plans to deploy Judge extensively in centerfield, emphasizing that the player is currently preparing for this positional shift. However, he also noted a strategic consideration, stating, “The one thing is, when I play him in center, I tend to use the DH with him a little more often.”
Centerfield is widely recognized as the outfield position with the highest physical demands, typically filled by players of smaller stature compared to Judge, who stands at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 282 pounds. In the previous season, Judge participated in 106 games, dividing his time with 54 games in right field, 18 in centerfield, and 38 as a designated hitter.
On days when Aaron Judge assumes the designated hitter (DH) role, Manager Aaron Boone anticipates incorporating offseason addition Trent Grisham into centerfield. Grisham, a recipient of two Gold Gloves for his performance in centerfield with the San Diego Padres, was acquired by the Yankees in a trade alongside the prominent Juan Soto, who is expected to be the regular right fielder for the team. Another recent acquisition, Alex Verdugo, obtained from the Boston Red Sox in a December trade, is likely to primarily occupy the left field position, although Judge may also see some playing time in that position.
Boone elaborated on the outfield arrangements, mentioning discussions with Judge about the possibility of him playing left field on specific days when he aims to have both Judge and Grisham in the outfield simultaneously. In such scenarios, Boone envisions Verdugo taking up the left field role, with Juan Soto positioned in right field.
Aaron Judge experienced his most physically sound season while serving as a centerfielder.
In his remarkable MVP performance in 2022, where he achieved 62 home runs and 131 RBIs, the majority of his playing time occurred in centerfield. Throughout that season, he participated in 157 games, with 78 instances in centerfield, 73 in right field, and 25 games as the designated hitter (DH).
During an interview on the Foul Territory show, host Erik Kratz raised the question with Manager Boone regarding potential apprehensions about deploying Judge in centerfield. This concern stemmed from the increased running demands associated with the position and Judge’s history of injuries as a power hitter.
Boone expressed his lack of concern, stating, “I’m not worried about it.” He highlighted that Aaron Judge enjoyed his healthiest season in 2022 while playing in centerfield, and most of the injuries the player incurred happened during his time in right field. The manager emphasized that Judge himself is not anxious about the positional change.
Boone acknowledged that the increased running demands in centerfield might lead to a more strategic use of the designated hitter (DH) for Judge. He indicated a willingness to utilize the DH role for Judge more frequently, potentially on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the team’s health status at different points in the season.
In reference to Judge’s injury history, it was noted that he missed 42 games in the previous season due to a toe injury sustained during a remarkable catch in right field at Dodger Stadium, further supporting Boone’s consideration for a positional shift to centerfield.
Boone reassured, saying, “I have no concerns about it.” He pointed out that Aaron Judge had his healthiest season in 2022 while playing in centerfield, noting that most of Judge’s injuries occurred during his time in right field. The manager conveyed confidence, stating that Judge is not troubled by the positional change, and neither is he.
The manager highlighted the potential for more running in centerfield, indicating a leaning towards using the designated hitter (DH) role for Judge more frequently. Boone expressed a willingness to deploy Judge as the DH on a more intermittent basis, whether that translates to once a week or twice a week. He emphasized that the decision would depend on the team’s overall health at various points throughout the season.
In reference to Judge’s injury history, it was mentioned that the player missed 42 games in the previous season due to a toe injury sustained during an impressive catch in right field at Dodger Stadium. This incident further supports Boone’s consideration of strategically utilizing Judge in centerfield to potentially mitigate the risk of injuries associated with playing in right field.
Boone anticipates the New York Yankees’ outfield depth to emerge as a notable strength. The primary outfield rotation is expected to include Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham. However, Boone envisions incorporating Giancarlo Stanton into the outfield mix to add further versatility. Despite being primarily designated as the team’s main designated hitter (DH), the 34-year-old Stanton is looking for a rebound in the upcoming season, aiming to improve upon his .191 batting average and 24 home runs in 101 games last season.
Expressing his confidence in the team’s outfield depth, Boone stated, “I truly believe Giancarlo [Stanton] will be able to provide us with occasional appearances in the outfield as well, and he’s preparing for that. I appreciate our depth, and I believe we are in a better position to handle any potential injuries that may arise.”
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has praised the adjustments Giancarlo Stanton made to his diet and conditioning during the offseason. Cashman commended Stanton, noting that he has always been regarded as one of the most formidable hitters in the game, and expressed optimism about the slugger’s desire to return to that level, as reported by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch on January 18.
Manager Boone, in addition to highlighting the outfield depth options for the team, specifically mentioned utility player Oswaldo Cabrera and standout prospect Jasson Dominguez. Dominguez made a strong impression in his major league debut last season at the age of 20, boasting a .258 batting average and hitting four home runs in 31 games. However, he is currently undergoing rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery on his elbow, and it is expected that he will be sidelined until the summer.
“Eventually, we’ll have Jasson Dominguez joining the team during the summer. Oswaldo Cabrera is another player who has accumulated valuable outfield experience. I believe our current depth in the outfield positions is substantial, and I hope it proves beneficial throughout the entire 162-game season,” Boone mentioned on the Foul Territory show.
Be the first to comment