Former MLB All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon has issued a stark warning about New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge ahead of the 2025 season. While Judge remains a dominant force in the regular season, Papelbon fears his postseason struggles could carry over into the new campaign.
Aaron Judge’s 2024 postseason woes raise concerns
Aaron Judge’s 2024 postseason left much to be desired. Despite belting three home runs, he slashed just .184/.344/.408 across 14 games. Though the Yankees reached the World Series, his underwhelming performance led some to wonder if the series would have been more competitive had Judge performed at his MVP level.
Despite these struggles, Aaron Judge remains one of the league’s top hitters. He’s a two-time AL MVP, winning the award again in 2024. But Papelbon, speaking on Foul Territory, expressed doubt about Judge’s ability to shake off his playoff slump.
“All baseball players are mental, man,” Papelbon said. “We all press at certain times. I think the pressing from what he showed in the playoffs is gonna just continue… I think he’s gonna be going up against much better pitching staffs in the AL East this year… Honestly, I think the struggles continue.”
Papelbon believes the first month of the season will be crucial. “I think he’s gonna have to find something else that propels him,” he added. “I know he’s a regular season player, but the first month to me is gonna be very interesting.”
Mental game a factor for Aaron Judge
Baseball is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Yankees legend Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental.” With limited at-bats per game and long gaps between plate appearances, hitters have plenty of time to dwell on their struggles.
Aaron Judge has had months to reflect on his postseason performance since the Yankees’ World Series loss to the Dodgers. However, elite players thrive under pressure, and Judge has previously rebounded from slumps. His ability to tune out criticism and regain his form will be key.
Aaron Judge’s track record suggests he can put the postseason behind him, but if he struggles early in 2025, Papelbon’s warning will gain traction. Yankees fans will be watching closely, hoping their captain can return to MVP form and lead the Bronx Bombers on another deep October run.
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