Aaron Judge is willing to play any position if it helps the Yankees win. The team captain reiterated that sentiment during an interview on Monday, emphasizing his flexibility and commitment to team success.
“Yeah, I’d love to hit third again, I’ve told [Aaron Boone] that since the first day,” Judge said. “But I’ve always been about wherever you need me. If it’s hitting third, hitting second, hitting last—I’ll be anywhere that helps shape this lineup the way we need to.”
Judge also praised young Yankees like Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe, expressing excitement about their potential contributions to the team’s offense this season.
While Judge’s comments seemed straightforward, they inadvertently sparked comparisons with Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, who recently took a more rigid stance regarding his defensive position.
The Devers controversy
On Saturday, the Red Sox finalized a three-year, $120 million deal with Alex Bregman, a Gold Glove-winning third baseman. While Bregman has expressed willingness to shift to second base, Devers made it clear he would not move to designated hitter (DH) if asked.
“I’ve been saying, it’s my position, and I’m not just going to change on a whim,” Devers told reporters through a translator.
The 28-year-old, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023, has struggled defensively at third base. He has led the American League in errors at the position every year since 2018 and posted a negative-6 Outs Above Average last season. Despite this, he remains adamant about staying at third.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora has avoided committing to Devers as the starting third baseman, stating that the team will put “the best roster on the field.” While Bregman’s defensive prowess gives him an edge at the position, the Red Sox are also considering top infield prospect Kristian Campbell and Vaughn Grissom for second base.
Yankees fans weigh in
The stark contrast between Judge’s team-first mentality and Devers’ firm stance fueled social media debates. A post from the account “Fuddy” claimed Judge “doesn’t care where he plays” while Devers “refuses to adjust for the team.”
Fans quickly took sides:
“I want Boone to hit Judge last one time just to see Yankees fans’ reaction,” one user quipped.
Another drew comparisons to the Tigers’ 2012 signing of Prince Fielder, recalling how Miguel Cabrera “quickly volunteered” to switch positions for the team’s benefit.
One Yankees fan, Nick, tweeted, “Judge is humble and better than Soto last year. Pro team guy. Meanwhile, Devers, like any other Red Sox, is all ego.”
The debate underscores broader philosophical differences in player mentality and team culture. Judge, a longtime leader for the Yankees, has embraced a flexible role, while Devers, a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup, remains steadfast in defending his position.
As both teams prepare for the 2025 season, these contrasting approaches could shape their respective clubhouse dynamics—and fuel an already storied rivalry.
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