MLB Season Kickoff with Yankees and Giants

The 2026 MLB season is set to start Wednesday night as the New York Yankees face off against the San Francisco Giants. Yankees captain Aaron Judge is on a mission to secure his third consecutive American League MVP award.

Judge, who is widely regarded as one of the top hitters in baseball today, has yet to win a World Series title despite his impressive track record with the Yankees. For players in New York, winning the championship is what truly counts. This perspective echoes what former Yankees captain Derek Jeter often emphasized during the team’s dynasty years.

Judge recently discussed his ambitions in an interview with All-Star Kevin Durant, touching on the challenges of playing in New York. Judge shared, “I want to bring a championship back to New York and leave the organization in better shape than I found it.”

He aims to leave a lasting legacy, wanting to see his picture hang alongside legends like Jeter, Posada, and Mantle at Yankee Stadium. After coming close to ending the Yankees’ World Series drought in 2024, when they lost to the Dodgers, expectations are high. The 2025 season saw Judge defend his MVP title, but the team fell short in the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Judge is well aware of the pressure that comes with his role, having felt it since his minor league days. He led Team USA during the World Baseball Classic and views pressure as part of the territory. He remarked, “If I sit there thinking about pressure and what I haven’t done yet, it distracts me from my goals.”

The singular focus is clear: Judge wants to win the World Series. While individual accolades are appreciated, they don’t compare to the thrill of winning the championship. “Yankee Stadium is decorated with memories of World Series championships. You can see that empty spot for 2009, and that’s what we’re after,” Judge stated.

The Yankees will take on the Giants at 8:05 PM ET, marking the official start of the 2026 MLB season.