Breaking news from the Yankees camp! Aaron Judge's elbow injury won't require surgery, but there's a twist!
Yankees manager Aaron Boone held a press conference, revealing some exciting updates about the team's roster. The good news is that outfielder Aaron Judge, despite a flexor strain diagnosed in July, will not need any offseason surgery on his right elbow. This is a huge relief for the team and fans alike.
However, the situation gets a bit more complicated with left-hander Carlos Rodón and shortstop Anthony Volpe. Rodón underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, which will keep him out of action for at least eight weeks, likely missing the start of the 2026 season. Volpe, who had shoulder surgery this week, faces a similar fate, unable to hit for four months and dive for six months. These injuries will undoubtedly impact the team's strategy moving forward.
But here's where it gets controversial... If Judge had needed a Tommy John surgery or a more significant elbow operation, it could have affected his performance well into the 2026 season. Thankfully, it seems Judge will be back to his full-time outfielder role next year, allowing the Yankees to plan with him in right field and Giancarlo Stanton as the designated hitter.
The outfield remains a key focus for the Yankees this offseason. With Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger becoming free agents, the team will need to make some crucial decisions. Jasson Domínguez, a former top prospect, has yet to fully establish himself, leaving the Yankees with some big questions to answer.
Manager Boone expects Domínguez to be a regular next year, but he also acknowledged that it depends on the team's offseason moves. The Yankees could pursue reunions with Bellinger and Grisham, or look towards free agents like Kyle Tucker, Harrison Bader, and Cedric Mullins. The trade market also offers some intriguing options, including Lars Nootbaar, Alec Burleson, and Adolis García.
And this is the part most people miss... The Yankees will have to start the 2026 season without some key players due to injuries. Gerrit Cole, who had Tommy John surgery last year, won't be ready for Opening Day, and Clarke Schmidt, who had a similar procedure in July, will also miss a significant portion of the season. These absences will undoubtedly create some challenges for the team.
As for Volpe, manager Boone still views him as the starting shortstop once he's fully recovered. However, his defensive metrics took a significant hit this year, raising questions about his long-term role. The Yankees may need to explore external options, but the free agent market doesn't offer many surefire answers.
So, what do you think? Will the Yankees be able to navigate these injuries and roster changes successfully? Do you think they should pursue certain players in free agency or the trade market? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on the future of the Yankees!
