Pedro Martínez has never been one to back down from a challenge. The Hall of Famer built his legacy by fearlessly attacking the best hitters of his era, from Ken Griffey Jr. to Derek Jeter. So, when he advises pitchers to steer clear of Aaron Judge, it’s bound to raise eyebrows. Did one of baseball’s fiercest competitors just tell pitchers to raise the white flag?

Not exactly, but it sure sounds that way.

On Tuesday night, Martínez ignited debate when he tweeted a simple yet bold directive: “When you’re up against Aaron Judge and find yourself in trouble… just walk him.” Coming from a man who made a career out of embarrassing hitters, the statement feels almost sacrilegious. Is Judge really so unstoppable that pitchers should concede the battle before it even begins?

In some ways, yes. Through the first four games of the season, the Yankees captain is on fire—four home runs, a .400 average, and the same game-breaking presence that has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. His track record is undeniable. He was the driving force behind the Yankees’ postseason run, launching 58 home runs and delivering MVP-level performances. Judge is more than dangerous—he’s the kind of hitter who makes opposing managers lose sleep

Of course, not everyone is on board with this approach. Old-school baseball minds argue that challenging the best is what separates the elite from the average. Pitching around a hitter like Judge may be the smart move, but it isn’t the most exciting one. Fans don’t pay to watch free passes; they want battles. And for every walk, there’s a chance Judge will eventually see a pitch—and punish it accordingly.

So, will teams actually follow Martínez’s advice? Early trends suggest they should at least consider it.

The debate: Play it safe or challenge Aaron Judge?

There’s a fine line between playing smart and playing scared. Some argue that avoiding Aaron Judge altogether is the baseball equivalent of ducking a fight. The game’s greatest pitchers—Randy Johnson and Pedro Martínez himself—built their legacies by attacking hitters head-on, not by working around them. The best of the best don’t shy away from a challenge, and intentionally walking a hitter, even one as dominant as Judge, can feel like an admission of inferiority.

On the other hand, baseball is a game of strategy as much as it is of skill. If the numbers favor putting Judge on base rather than giving him a chance to crush a game-altering home run, why not take the safe route? Teams don’t hand out trophies for pride; they hand them out for wins. And if taking the bat out of Judge’s hands increases your chances of winning, it might just be the smartest move a pitcher can make.

Pedro Martínez’s advice may sound controversial, but it highlights the sheer impact of Aaron Judge’s bat. Pitchers must decide whether to challenge him or play it safe, knowing the consequences of either choice. One thing’s for sure—no matter what pitchers decide, Judge is always in session.