The New York Yankees are gearing up to host the Boston Red Sox for the AL Wild Card round this season, a matchup that should be a total slugfest. But despite that exciting first-round draw, one MLB executive is already dropping a bombshell, telling Jorge Castillo of ESPN that the Yankees have “no chance” at making the World Series. The whole thing hinges on Aaron Judge’s availability, and that’s a huge problem for them.
The Judge Factor
Yeah, you read that right: “no chance.” Castillo reports that “opinions vary around the majors,” but this one front office exec flat out said the Yankees are done without Judge. The Bombers are sitting at 91-67 with only four games left to play, but with the Tampa Bay Rays already locking up the AL East and snagging a first-round bye, the Yankees’ path to the World Series looks brutal. They have Boston in Round 1, and then it’s the Rays again in the ALDS. That’s why Judge’s status is an absolute nightmare for them right now.
He’s dealing with a calf issue, and while he *could* suit up for the Wild Card round, there’s some serious uncertainty about if he’ll actually be out there. And for the ALDS? He *should* be good to go, but it’s not a guarantee. If he’s out, this MLB exec clearly doesn’t think the Yankees have any shot at a deep run.
Impact Beyond Availability
Here’s the kicker: even if Judge *is* active, there are still some major questions about how much impact he’d even have. He didn’t exactly light it up during his return to the lineup in August and September this season. Still, just having Judge’s massive presence in the lineup, even if he’s not 100%, raises both the ceiling and the floor of that team. Potentially, it could be enough to make a deep run in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open American League.
With only four games left in the regular season and that AL Wild Card showdown against Boston looming, every single eye is on Aaron Judge. His health could make or break everything for the Yankees. Can he get healthy enough to make this exec eat their “no chance” prediction? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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