Yankees News: Judge, Bellinger, Volpe Updates
- The New York Yankees are navigating key offseason decisions concerning the health and future of several players following their playoff exit.
- Aaron Judge has been managing a flexor strain in his right elbow as July.
- Judge was placed on the injured list in late july due to the strain and spent August as a designated hitter.
Yankees Face Offseason Decisions Regarding Judge,Volpe,and Bellinger
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The New York Yankees are navigating key offseason decisions concerning the health and future of several players following their playoff exit. Aaron Judge is dealing with a lingering flexor strain in his right elbow, Anthony Volpe is considering surgery for a shoulder injury, and Cody Bellinger has an opt-out clause in his contract.
Judge’s Elbow and Potential Surgery
Aaron Judge has been managing a flexor strain in his right elbow as July. Despite the injury,Judge excelled in the playoffs,recording multiple hits in all but one game and hitting a game-tying home run against Louis Varland of the toronto Blue Jays.When asked about his elbow, Judge stated, “We’ll definitely do some work on it and get it right,” but remained undecided about surgery, saying, “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know.“
Judge was placed on the injured list in late july due to the strain and spent August as a designated hitter. He returned to right field on September 5th,splitting time between the field and DH for the remainder of the season. In the playoffs, he played exclusively in the field, with Giancarlo Stanton serving as the DH in all seven games. Initial tests ruled out ulnar collateral ligament damage, and recovery from flexor strain surgery is expected to be shorter then that of a UCL tear.
Volpe’s Shoulder and Performance Dip
Anthony Volpe is also contemplating surgery to address a partially torn labrum in his shoulder,an injury he sustained in May. he played through the injury without going on the IL, but his performance declined significantly. Volpe’s slash line dropped from .237/.328/.456 in April to .205/.255/.374 over the following five months. While he started strong in the postseason, going 4-for-11 with a home run in the Wild Card round, he struggled in the ALDS, hitting just 1-for-15 with 11 strikeouts against Toronto.
Volpe indicated the decision isn’t immediate, stating, “I anticipated playing another month and then reassessing then. So nothing’s [decided] … we’re going to figure it out.” Surgery could perhaps allow him to be ready for the 2026 season, as demonstrated by Shohei Ohtani‘s recovery from a similar injury.
Despite the injury, Volpe received a cortisone injection in mid-September, allowing Jose Caballero to start six games at shortstop. Caballero, who is under team control through 2029, could be a factor in the Yankees’ middle infield plans depending on Volpe’s health.
Bellinger’s Opt-Out Decision
Cody Bellinger has an opt-out clause in his contract and is considering leaving $25 million on the table to pursue a longer, more lucrative deal in free agency. Bellinger commented, “Obviously, things to discuss with family and the agent and the business side of it all. But tonight, I’m just going to soak it all in and just be a part of the group one more time.“
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs before the 2024 season and was later traded to the Yankees. He had a strong season in pinstripes, hitting 29 home runs and exceeding 600 plate appearances for the third time in his career. He is widely expected to opt out of his contract.