The New York Yankees say Aaron Judge’s elbow is no longer a worry, and the captain is expected to be fully ready as he prepares for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. That reassurance comes after months of quiet anxiety surrounding Judge’s throwing arm, which he injured last July while trying to throw out Blue Jays infielder Davis Schneider at the plate. Judge initially stayed in the lineup, but the discomfort was clearly there, eventually landing him on the injured list and reviving painful memories of a 2023 season derailed by injury.
This time, the outcome has been far more positive, it seems. Judge avoided surgery, missed a limited time, and finished the 2025 season healthy. With his selection as captain of Team USA, questions were obviously asked about whether the elbow would hold up under increased throwing demands. The Yankees insist it will. According to the New York Daily News, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a positive update on Judge’s status during a Zoom call with reporters.
He made it clear the slugger is progressing faster than usual because of his World Baseball Classic preparation. Boone said Judge has already ramped up his throwing program and is ahead of schedule compared to a typical offseason. The Yankees’ top executive added that Judge feels ready to go as soon as spring camp opens, an important development for a player whose value extends far beyond his bat, as per most fans.
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Why Judge’s Arm Matters More Than People Realize
Judge’s offensive resume needs no introduction, but his defense continues to be oddly underappreciated. Despite years of elite play in the outfield, he has never won a Gold Glove, even as other defenders alongside him have received nominations. In 2025, Judge quietly put together one of his strongest defensive seasons, giving a reason why the Yankees were so cautious with his elbow. It seems all is looking up for Judge as he also made the cover of MLB The Show 26.
He posted four Outs Above Average and a two-arm Value, while averaging 89.6 miles per hour on his throws, placing him in the 80th percentile or higher across those metrics. Those numbers, tracked by Baseball Savant, paint a picture of a right fielder whose arm strength and range remain elite. For Team USA and the Yankees as well, that arm is a major asset, not a luxury. His stock has been up in every part of baseball, including video games.
Judge’s brief experiment in center field showed mixed results, though, particularly in 2024, when his defensive metrics dipped as well. His return to right field erased any doubts about physical decline, as his instincts and throwing accuracy bounced back in full. Moreover, over his career in right field, Judge has accumulated 19 Outs Above Average and 64 Defensive Runs Saved.
Published: Jan 29, 2026 12:35 pm