Judge won’t rule out another 62
Yankees’ slugger says he’s less concerned about own goals, wants to win title
TAMPA, Fla. — Aaron Judge flashed a big smile when asked if he could repeat his accomplishments of last year, when he hit an American League record 62 home runs for the New York Yankees.
“You never know,” he said after the Yankees’ first full-squad workout on Monday. “I don’t really like putting a number on it. I just kind of like going out there and trying to control what I can control, but you never know what could happen. So, we’ll see about 62.”
Judge was voted the American League Most Valuable Player after breaking Roger Maris’ AL record of 61 homers, set in 1961. Judge’s 131 RBIS tied the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso for most in the majors and Judge’s .311 batting average was second in the AL. After becoming a free agent, Judge agreed to a $360 million, nine-year contract with the Yankees.
“Last year was fun chasing history and having those moments,” Judge said. “Every time we play in New York I feel like you’re chasing history. It’s never a cakewalk in the Bronx, that’s for sure. You have to enmbrace those challenges.”
Judge slumped offensively as New York was swept in the AL Championship
Series by eventual World Series champion Houston. He went 1-for-16 (.063) with no homers or RBIS.
New York hasn’t won the World Series since 2009.
“It bothers me, and I think it bothers the group as well,” Judge said, “Every year we don’t finish what we started, it wears on us in different ways. I think every failure pushes you towards that ultimate goal.”
After Judge agreed to the longterm deal with the Yankees, he become New York’s first captain since Derek
Jeter from 2003-13.
“I’ll be doing what I’ve been doing the past six or seven years, try and lead by example,” Judge said.
Cubs: Chicago added Michael Fulmer to its bullpen on Monday, finalizing a $4 million, one-year contract with the right-hander. Fulmer played for Detroit and Minnesota last season, going 5-6 with 3.39 ERA in a careerhigh 67 appearances.
White Sox: Elvis Andrus enjoyed his short stay in Chicago so much that he decided to return to the White Sox. Andrus finalized a $3 million, one-year contract on Monday, stepping into team's opening at second base.