Aaron Judge Ready to Prove Yankees’ World Series Ambition, Bombers’ Captain Speaks Out as Opening Day Nears

What’s a better way to start your season than to go against the team that has stolen your thunder in the league? Ever since the Houston Astros shifted to the American League, they’ve been the team to beat. A position that the New York Yankees once held has now become the throne on which the Astros sit. Just for that alone, this upcoming series is interesting, but then there’s another story brewing here that Captain Aaron Judge has eloquently described.

“We’re gonna show up and do our thing,” the judge declared. The Yankees know they need to start strong, especially after that disastrous 2023. This is not only a battle of dominance but also a fight for glory. Luckily for Judge, he has recognized something vastly different in the Bronx clubhouse this time around.

Aaron Judge’s Bronx Bombers to come out all guns blazing against their biggest rivals 

Ever since the Astros shifted to the AL in 2013, they’ve played in 4 out of 11 World Series. In fact, the Astronauts haven’t missed the playoffs since 2016. On the other hand, the Pinstripes haven’t played a single Fall Classic since their 2009 win. Judges, it seems, also recognize this difference in fortune. In an interview with the Daily News, he said, “When you go up against a good team like Houston to start off, you gotta be ready to go.” 

So how ready are the Yankees? The judge said that the team had a “different level of focus in all aspects.” Then the captain noticed how the entry of Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Marcus Stroman had increased “grit” and “edge” in the locker room. That has filled All Rise with a lot of confidence. 

“There’s really good energy right now,” the captain said. He then referred to the fitness of the Bronx Bombers’ squad and shared how “true excitement” had filled their clubhouse. The superstar’s words made it clear that the Yankees were seeing 2024 as a massive battle. As a result, players are entering the season with a massive chip on their shoulders.

The fact that their very first challenge is from the Astros is just a cherry on top. For this dynamic Bombers’ squad, there’s a genuine chance to make history here.

Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees: A battle for AL dominance

It’s quite interesting that despite the Astros’ overall dominance in the AL, the Yankees hold a winning record over them. If we just look at AL regular season games since 2013, their head-to-head record stands at 31–35. Another interesting fact is that ever since 2016, the two have won in alternate years. Clearly, this battle is as equal as it comes, at least in the regular season.

In the postseason, the Astros hold a 4-0 lead over the Yankees. As a result, the Astros are currently the monkey on the Yankees’ back, the demon they need to exorcise. That makes it all the more obvious why Judge is confident but is still trying to instill more belief in his teammates. After all, to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.

Read more: Imagining a Fully-Loaded Yankees Lineup Once Jasson Domínguez Arrives