Aaron Judge hasn’t been able to escape one thing since becoming a captain. That is the comparison with Captain Clutch, Derek Jeter. Apart from the obvious lack of rings, Judge is also constantly questioned over his mentality. Does All Rise go about winning at all costs as Jeter did in his prime? Legendary Yankees skipper Joe Torre might have an answer to that question.

Yes, many have called Judge the best leader in the New York Yankees’ recent history (even better than Jeter). Naturally, it is due to his knack for being comfortable sharing the spotlight. All of the Bronx squad feels a sense of camaraderie with Judge, which is quite rare to see. But during his appearance on the 6-1-6 podcast, Joe Torre revealed how Judge’s temperament, too, might be quite similar to Derek Jeter’s.

“From the Jeter side, he goes 3-for-4 and we lose the game; he’s not a happy camper,” Joe Torre said. “It doesn’t really matter if he’s hitless and we win the game. It’s a whole different personality.” That isn’t new. It’s been known for a long time that Derek Jeter’s winning mentality came above his achievements. Joe Torre has just confirmed those beliefs by admitting that Jeter had no patience with losing. Interestingly, he finds a similar trait in Judge, too.

“As far as Judge, I’m assuming he’s the same guy,” Torre continued. “Because he just has that temperament.” The legendary skipper noted how Judge always talks for his teammates. According to Torre, that is a good trait and a reason why Judge and Jeter are a “pretty good match” when it comes to captaincy. Interestingly, Judge proved Torre’s words right just hours after this podcast was posted when he hit his 48th homer.

Aaron Judge puts the Yankees over himself as his historic season unveils 

After his 48th homer, Aaron Judge is currently pacing toward 61 home runs this season. That is just one less than his AL record of 62. If the New York Yankees captain crosses 60, he’d be only the third hitter in history to have multiple 60-homer seasons. It’s quite historic, isn’t it? But then Aaron Judge doesn’t find it special. That was visible in his interview, where he explained what was more important to him.

When asked whether this huge achievement makes him proud, Judge’s reply was clear: he wants the World Series. “If it comes with a ring and a lot of fun in the playoffs, then definitely that would be cool,” Judge said about his potential record. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to put ourselves in a position to win the ballgame.” Maybe that is the winner’s temperament that Torre was talking about. But one can’t deny that Yankees fans are celebrating Judge’s generational season.

Now can the Yankees turn this generational season into a World Series win? That is a big question. It is even more important for Judge, especially because a ring can cement his position as one of the greatest captains in New York’s history.