Aaron Judge Set to Play New Position? Yankees Captain Ready for Any Role Following 2023 Injury Concerns

Maybe the rumblings are true – the New York Yankees are thinking about the future. More importantly, they’re wondering what they’ll look like as Aaron Judge grows older. Currently 31, Judge has gradually seen an increase in his time on the injury list. This has led to speculations about whether a proposed move to the Center Field is a good idea or not. While debate regarding that position is ongoing, All Rise has started practicing in another position as well.

It isn’t a surprise that Judge is trying to be more versatile this time. The Yankees captain has always said that he wants to help the team in whatever way he can. Last season, he witnessed how injuries decimated the entire Pinstripes lineup. So naturally the Captain is trying to ensure that the team’s thinnest position remains filled irrespective of injuries or absences.

Aaron Judge experiments that looks like a window to the future 

The Athletic recently posted a report where they revealed that the Yankees Captain Aaron Judge was practicing in the first base as well. While speculations have been ripe that Aaron Boone was planning on eventually shifting Judge to the infield, one didn’t guess it would start happening this soon. More importantly – All Rise enjoyed playing there.

“The 31-year-old said he enjoyed revisiting the position and learning some of the nuances.” The last time Judge played in the first base was when he was a freshman at Fresno State. Ever since then, the slugger has remained on the outfield. However, recent injury spates may have encouraged him to start taking on an infield role. Does that mean his outfield days are over? 

No, they aren’t. At least not yet. Judge indicated that he plans to remain on the outfield for as long as possible. The reason why he was playing in the first base is because the Yankees don’t enjoy much depth in that area. Apart from Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu, there isn’t any noticeable first baseman on the roster. Even in those two, LeMahieu is slated to play in the third base.

Read more: New York Yankees’ Owner Solves Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole’s Analyst Concerns, “Great Addition” Fills Crucial Role

So even one injury could disrupt the flow, perhaps that’s why Judge is keeping himself prepared. Nonetheless, the league has recently seen two outfielders shift to the infield, Judge could join that list.

Outfield to Infield – Not as surprising as one imagines 

Recently the Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper went to first base. Then the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts shifted to second base. So Judge entering the infield won’t be a surprising occurrence. In fact, if one looks at the Yankees’ future – this move looks more and more likely. If the Bombers sign Juan Soto – the right field will be locked. 

On the other hand, Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones – the top prospects are both Center Fielders. So if the team wants to fit all of them together, someone will have to give up the outfield. Could Judge be the one?

Read more: 2017: The Breakout Year Paving Aaron Judge’s Path to Yankees Captaincy and Greatness