According to NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch, Aaron Judge is on the verge of a life-altering moment. His wife Samantha’s pregnancy is nearing its conclusion, with a Yankees insider confirming, “She’s getting close.”
Aaron Judge’s absence from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) awards dinner — one of baseball’s marquee off-field events — caught many by surprise. While fans were eager to see the Yankees captain accept his MVP award, his priorities have clearly shifted, signaling a much bigger moment unfolding away from the spotlight.
For Aaron Judge, it’s less about the accolades right now and more about preparing for a new chapter: fatherhood. As the Yankees look ahead to the 2025 season, their captain could be stepping into a dual role — leading his team on the field while embracing the responsibilities of life off it. Details remain limited, but one thing is certain: Judge is ready to take on his most important role yet.
Aaron Judge nearing a major milestone, misses BBWAA dinner
The BBWAA dinner, held at the New York Hilton, is often referred to as baseball’s version of the Oscars. With tickets priced at nearly $400, the black-tie gala has been a staple of the sport since 1925, bringing together the game’s top talent for an evening of celebration. Over 800 fans packed the ballroom to enjoy a four-course meal, hear heartfelt speeches, and see their favorite players dressed to the nines.
The awards, which are publicly announced in November, lose none of their luster at this event. Instead, the real draw is the opportunity to see Major League Baseball’s elite up close. This year’s honorees included Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale, Rookies of the Year Luis Gil and Paul Skenes, and community service award recipient Oswaldo Cabrera, who delivered a heartfelt speech in Spanish thanking his parents. Yankees radio duo John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman also received the Long and Meritorious Service Award.
Despite the impressive lineup of honorees, the highlight was expected to be the joint appearance of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, both unanimous MVP winners. However, neither could attend. Judge informed organizers in late November that Samantha’s pregnancy might prevent him from attending. A week before the dinner, the decision was final, and Judge sent his regrets via a video message, thanking fans for their understanding.
Shohei Ohtani’s absence, however, came as a surprise. Organizers believed he would attend until just 10 days prior to the event. Ohtani later explained in a recorded message that devastating fires in California had affected him and his family, making it impossible to travel. He dedicated his award to the City of Los Angeles and first responders battling the wildfires.
To soften the disappointment of Aaron Judge’s absence, the Yankees arranged for actor and comedian Tracy Morgan, a Bronx native, to accept the MVP trophy on his behalf. Morgan entertained the crowd with anecdotes about his lifelong love for the Yankees, adding humor and heart to the evening. His presence served as a reminder of what the event truly celebrates: the joy of baseball and the anticipation of a new season.
While Aaron Judge and Ohtani’s absences were felt, the night underscored the passion and history of the sport. For fans in attendance, it was another chapter in baseball’s century-old tradition of honoring its brightest stars.
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