UPDATE: Following the New York Yankees’ stunning postseason exit, Aaron Judge has not ruled out the possibility of undergoing offseason surgery to address his nagging right elbow injury. The right fielder spoke candidly after the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays in Game 4 of the ALDS on September 27, 2023, stating, “We’ll definitely do some work on it and get it right.”
Judge, who turned 33 earlier this month, suffered a flexor strain in late July, putting a damper on what was shaping up to be another MVP-caliber season. Unable to throw without severe pain, he spent time on the injured list. He returned to the lineup as a designated hitter on August 5 but later rejoined the outfield during a critical playoff race.
Despite the injury, Judge showcased his resilience, compiling a remarkable postseason performance, hitting .500 over seven playoff games with four walks and seven RBIs. His standout moment came in Game 3, where he blasted a game-tying three-run homer against Blue Jays pitcher Louis Varland, marking his best postseason to date.
However, Judge’s arm strength was still a concern. He made a notable throw of 90.2 mph in the ALDS opener, slightly above his average from the 2025 season, but the lingering issue compromised his defensive capabilities.
The Yankees’ elimination extends their championship drought to a staggering 16 seasons, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s future. Judge’s clarity on his elbow situation adds another layer of uncertainty as the franchise contemplates its next steps.
As the offseason approaches, speculation will intensify regarding Judge’s health and his ability to bounce back. “I’m not a doctor,” Judge conceded when asked about surgery, but his commitment to addressing the injury is clear.
The baseball world will be watching closely as the Yankees’ star navigates this critical period ahead. Will he opt for surgery to ensure a healthier return next season? Stay tuned for developing updates.
