Alex Rodriguez bets big on Judge, Yankees: ‘Going to surprise’

Aaron Judge (#99) of the New York Yankees rounds third base after hitting a home run at PNC Park, greeted by another Yankee as teammate raises arms in celebration.
Yankees
Esteban Quiñones
Saturday April 5, 2025

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The New York Yankees have exploded from the starting gate in the 2025 season, shattering records, quieting critics, and earning accolades from franchise icon Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who has transitioned into broadcasting and business ventures, finds himself at the center of attention for dual reasons – his bullish commentary on the Yankees’ potential and his off-studio lifestyle.

Rodriguez predicts ‘surprise’ Yankees run—and 70 HRs for Judge

Aaron Judge, Yankees outfielder, photographed at the team’s media day in October 2024, preparing for the World Series (left); Alex Rodriguez appearing on an MLB broadcast on Fox in 2024 (right).

As the Yankees blasted nine homers during their 20-9 demolition of Milwaukee earlier this month – matching a league record for most team home runs through three games – Rodriguez eagerly shared his enthusiasm. During an interactive fan session, he made his position clear:

“I think they’ve got a really good team, and I think they are going to surprise a lot of people.”

Even more remarkable was his projection when asked about Aaron Judge‘s home run ceiling this season:

“70,” Rodriguez responded immediately, placing Judge in rarified air alongside Mark McGwire (70 HR in 1998) and Barry Bonds (73 HR in 2001).

While ambitious, Judge’s early-season performance lends credibility to the prediction. He currently paces the league in both home runs and RBIs while continuing to anchor the Yankees’ offensive attack.

Boone commends young guns amid injury challenges

The Yankees’ journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Injuries to Gerrit Cole, DJ LeMahieu, and Giancarlo Stanton forced manager Aaron Boone to reconfigure his lineup early. Rather than faltering, the Bombers leaned into their youth movement—with immediate dividends.

Rising stars Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez, and Ben Rice have carried their spring training momentum into the regular season. Boone acknowledged their contributions to maintaining the Yankees’ winning trajectory.

“It’s four games, but I’ve certainly been encouraged by Anthony Volpe,” Boone said. “Even before Domínguez had two hits and the homer yesterday… I thought his at-bats were really good.”

The manager expressed particular confidence in Domínguez’s defensive development:

“My expectation is that [Domínguez] becomes an outstanding defensive left fielder… I want his development to go as well as possible.”

Yankees rewriting record books in season’s early weeks

New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (99) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in New York.
AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

New York’s offensive juggernaut has shown no mercy. With 15 home runs through their opening three contests, the Yankees matched the 2006 Detroit Tigers’ all-time MLB benchmark. Their 20-run explosion against Milwaukee sent baseballs traveling a combined 3,695 feet, marking one of the most devastating offensive displays in recent memory.

Beyond raw power, the team has demonstrated situational hitting excellence, defensive reliability, and bullpen versatility.

With Rodriguez watching keenly, the Yankees’ evolving identity becomes increasingly evident. What initially appeared to be a transitional period has transformed into a springboard for a potential AL East crown and championship aspirations.

Season outlook: Sustainability of Yankees’ torrid pace

New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Friday, April 4, 2025.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

By early April 2025, the Yankees hold one of the American League’s top records. Their offense ranks among the league’s top three in team OPS, home runs, and run production, while their pitching staff—led by Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and an emerging bullpen—excels in strikeouts and WHIP.

Though early, their blend of developing talent, veteran leadership, and offensive firepower has transformed skeptics into believers.

“If this is how the Yankees are performing early in the season,” observed one AL scout, “the rest of the league better pay attention.”

With Judge pursuing historic totals, bullpen arms exceeding expectations, and role players like Oswaldo Cabrera thriving with expanded opportunities, the Yankees appear positioned to maintain momentum deep into the postseason.

Whether it’s A-Rod cheering from afar, or Judge pursuing home run immortality, the Yankees remain at the epicenter of baseball conversation—and entertainment gossip.

Their blistering start represents more than statistical success; it’s a declaration. The Bronx Bombers have returned to prominence, bringing spectacular performances with them.

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