While the world is praising the Yankees’ new captain, Aaron Judge, did the ex-captain throw shade on him? According to ESPN New York radio host Michael Kay, Derek Jeter could be trying to do so. Derek was seen alongside other baseball icons celebrating the Yankees, 2009 World Series victory at the Old-Timers event. As the Yankees, iconic player, and ex-captain, he was involved in a lot of banter. But his one particular statement has created waves. 

There is no doubt that Jeter helped the New York Yankees reach the next level. He led them to five championships under his captaincy. Still, his recent statement, where he asserted winning the championship was the only measure of success—or else “it’s a failure,” caught the attention of Michael Kay and Don La Greca. Both sports broadcasters felt this might be a dig at Aaron Judge, who’s still striving to get the team to that championship level, and they aired their candid thoughts on The Michael Kay Show. 

What does Michael have to say to the ex-Yankees captain?

Michael Kay, the long-time Yankees broadcaster who knows the team inside and out, wasn’t about to let Jeter’s comments go unnoticed on his show. Just the next day, he straightaway pointed out Derek’s comment “ “It doesn’t matter what you do during a 162-game schedule. It all boils down to the World Series” As a potential jab to the Yankees’ new captain, he further added that this is “kind of like putting a little shade on Judge.“(It’s like) don’t hit me 65 home runs, win me a championship.”  We can totally understand Kay here, not counting the massive 2024 season of Aaron Judge evidently won’t be right. It’s like saying a rock star isn’t great because they haven’t won a Grammy yet. 

Sharing this similar thought, his co-host Don La Greca said, “What if the Yankees don’t win? If he goes out there and hits 70 home runs, it doesn’t matter?” He also agreed that the ultimate goal was supposed to be the championship, but when someone has this kind of season, it surely can’t go in vain if the trophy doesn’t come to them. The 6.7ft is actually living his massive career high. He currently going with a .333 batting average, and has a whopping 51 home runs and 1.197 OPS.

Is all of this going to be thrown away because they happen not to win? On top of it, losing the trophy as Greca said “might not be his fault.” It is something to think about; winning is a team process. Under his captaincy, the Bronx is coming strong this year, with 78-56. In the end, calling it a “Rare Jeter Misstep”, the hosts questioned Captain Clutch’s timing. On the other hand, whether Derek Jeter was commenting on the new captain’s what he believes could be the ‘flaws’, is unclear, as, in the same event, he was praising the 32-year-old (a lot).

Derek Jeter is also a fan of Aaron Judge’s captaincy

The 2024 season has been full of compliments for the Yankees slugger. His opponents are afraid to pitch him. They are calling him “beast,” and now, he has added his ex-captain praise to his box as well; who compared him with legends of baseball. “He’s having a season like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Barry Bonds,” the clutch captain said. While Derek compares Judge with other icons, former MLB players Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and even Joe Torre believe that the current Yankees captain is very similar to the former himself.

Also, while we are talking about comparisons, an ESPN broadcaster has also given his unique take on him. With all this buzz, it is quite evident that Judge is the talk of the season. The 50-year-old baseball veteran said, “It seems like he just continues to get better and better.” He also emphasized that the player is doing so well that people need to remember he could have started better. Well, there was a time this season when he had to trudge back to the dugout, without making a big splash. But now, he’s made history, joining the elite club of players with three 50-home run seasons. Talk about bouncing back strong! 

So, keeping in mind all of the things he said about The Yankee’s fav MVP, there can be a possibility that his championship comments were generic. Should one give him the benefit of the doubt? Well, that’s subjective to each one of you. Will the Yankees say anything about this? Well, they have better things to focus on. With the season entering its crucial set, the Bronx, leading the AL with the highest score, needs to focus more to stay in the lead. Do you think the team will end their trophy drought this year? Let us know in the comments.