Aaron Judge Reflects on ALDS Loss and the Yankees’ Future

Aaron Judge finds himself in a familiar, disappointing situation: witnessing another team’s celebration at Yankee Stadium.

“I absolutely hated every second of it,” Judge confessed while sitting in the dugout after the Rays defeated the Yankees 4-3, completing a sweep in the ALDS. “It’s a moment I won’t forget. I kept thinking about the missed opportunities, both this season and in this series.”

This might be the standout memory for the 2026 Yankees, as Judge had to sit out a significant portion of the regular season due to a fractured rib, which kept him out for over three months. Then, a strained calf sidelined him during the postseason.

When asked how close he was to being added to the roster for the ALDS, especially after missing the wild-card series against Boston, Judge responded, “That’s hypothetical. Whether I was on the roster or not, my teammates were out there fighting, and I had faith in them. I believe in our chances regardless of my presence.”

He expressed feeling “great,” but it was clear the team felt his absence—just like they did throughout the regular season.

“It definitely hurts,” Judge acknowledged. “You want to be out there, contributing. It’s tough not getting the chance to battle alongside everyone.”

Now, the Yankees face an offseason filled with uncertainty, especially with a lockout likely coming in December. They will have to watch the remainder of the postseason unfold without their involvement.

Judge was asked about what the team needs to do to improve and avoid this disappointing scenario again—something they’ve faced every year since he joined the team.

“We’re the Yankees,” he said. “The front office should go all in, address any gaps we have, whether that means bringing in certain players or whatever is needed.”

He did take a moment to recognize the contributions of younger players like Cam Schlittler, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones, noting how well Anthony Volpe rebounded after being sent down to the minors.

Still, none of these efforts were enough to elevate the Yankees back to the pinnacle of baseball.

Judge remarked that “a lot of things” need to change for that to happen.

“As a player, I focus on what I can control,” he said. “The organization provides a competitive team every year. But that’s simply not enough in New York.”

This year, it was a division rival that celebrated an ALDS victory over the Yankees in The Bronx, much like the Blue Jays did the previous year.

“Seeing other teams celebrating here doesn’t sit right with me,” Judge noted. “If you don’t like it, you have to step up your game.”