The New York Yankees’ front office is facing scrutiny following reports that team captain Aaron Judge played a key role in blocking a roster move involving DJ LeMahieu. According to reports, the Yankees would have removed LeMahieu for assignment last season. However, Judge and other veteran players allegedly intervened, insisting that LeMahieu still had value if healthy.

This revelation has reignited concerns about player influence over front-office decisions. Judge’s leading capability has always been undisputed. However, his participation in staffing decisions may cause concerns, especially considering LeMahieu’s downturn. The 35-year-old infielder who once contended for MVP had a disheartening 52 wRC+ in 228 plate appearances during 2024 making him one of the least effective hitters in baseball. While injuries have clearly impacted his performance his contract still has two years and $30 million left making his place on the team a costly burden.

Aaron Judge’s decision: boosting team chemistry or blocking tough decisions?

According to a post from Eric Hubbs of Barstool Sports, the Yankees were ready to designate DJ LeMahieu for assignment but Aaron Judge’s intervention blocked the move. He said, “Yankees were prepared to designate DJ LeMahieu for assignment when Jasson Domínguez was called up but Aaron Judge and other vets stepped in to prevent the move.”

The Yankees have faced criticism for holding onto veterans who haven’t met expectations in times. Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone seem to value loyalty over results which has caused some key areas to stagnate. Rumors suggest that without Judge’s intervention, the Yankees could have let go of LeMahieu and brought in an impactful player instead. However they chose to keep him on the roster when his performance continued to decline.

This situation draws parallels to past Yankees’ decisions, such as their extended commitment to Josh Donaldson despite his decline or their reluctance to part ways with aging veterans. The difference here is Judge’s reported influence in the process. While captains could advocate for teammates, their role shouldn’t extend into roster construction—especially when sentimentality clashes with on-field results.

As the Yankees prepare for 2025, they must confront whether Judge’s advocacy aligns with their competitive goals. They have already undergone major roster changes, including trading for Max Fried and Devin Williams while pursuing additional offensive upgrades. However, if the Judge continues to wield influence in personnel matters, it could complicate efforts to make the tough but necessary moves.

Leadership or overreach?- Fans react

A Yankee fan expresses disbelief and shock at a report or claim. “If true, that feels genuinely insane.” In the context of Aaron Judge allegedly intervening to block a Yankees roster move (keeping DJ LeMahieu despite his struggles). If true, it would suggest an unusual level of influence for a player over front-office decisions, which some might see as an overreach or a sign of dysfunction within the organization.

Top Comment by Facts

Hope he insists on a third baseman and long term first baseman impact ones!

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Debate

Yankees were prepared to designate DJ LeMahieu for assignment when Jasson Domínguez was called up but Aaron Judge and other vets stepped in to prevent the move. – Eric Hubbs
byu/Jheller223 inNYYankees

This comment sarcastically blames Aaron Judge for the Yankees’ decision to keep DJ LeMahieu despite his poor performance and physical limitations. Referring to LeMahieu as having a “peg leg” exaggerates his struggles, likely pointing to his injuries and declining mobility. The comment shows disappointment in the team that continues to play LeMahieu at third base for much of the season instead of finding a more capable replacement. “So it’s Aaron Judge’s fault we’re subjected to watching a guy with a peg leg play 3b for a majority of the year.” The remark implies that if Judge truly influenced the decision to keep LeMahieu, then he shares responsibility for the team’s ongoing issues at the position.

One user expressing both disbelief and frustration, hopes for the report (Aaron Judge prevents DJ LeMahieu from being designated for assignment) to be false. If it turns out to be true, the commenter strongly questions the Judge’s judgment. “I hope this is bs because if true wtf Judge?” Essentially, questioning why Judge would influence the team in a way that might negatively affect its performance, especially by keeping an underperforming player like LeMahieu on the roster.

Another comment expresses concern over Aaron Judge’s reported direct influence on the Yankees’ front office, suggesting that it may be problematic. “Judge having a direct line to the front office seems to be bad, actually. His input and suggestions are basically all bad.” They believe that Judge’s input has not been beneficial, citing that his suggestions often result in poor decisions.

The comment humorously expresses frustration and skepticism about Aaron Judge potentially becoming the Yankees’ manager in the future. The commenter hypothetically suggests that if Judge were to take on that role, his decision-making would be even worse than that of current manager Aaron Boone, who has faced criticism for his handling of in-game strategies and roster moves. “already prepared for Judge to become manager in the 2040s and be even dumber than boone.” The belief highlights that Judge’s attachment to certain players and his leadership style might not translate well into managing a team.

Difficult choices for a team striving to capture their World Series title since 2009 are inevitable. To make the most of their opportunity, the Yankees might have to prioritize performance over relationships and make roster decisions that could be challenging for Judge to accept.

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