MLB analysts question $8.2B Yankees’ silence as Aaron Judge’s prime ticks away

Aaron Judge is back in the game after another record-breaking season, but many in baseball are still worried about who will lead the New York Yankees. Aaron Judge earned his third overall award in 2024, his second consecutive American League MVP.

Still, concerns are arising regarding whether the Yankees are doing enough to help their captain during his prime years.The concern became louder in December 2024, when popular Yankees voices spoke openly about the team’s slow offseason. With the franchise valued at $8.2 billion, according to Forbes, analysts believe the Yankees should be acting with urgency instead of patience.

MLB analysts warn New York Yankees could fall apart if Aaron Judge gets hurt

The debate picked up during a recent episode of the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast, recorded in December 2024 in New York. Jimmy O’Brien, widely known as Jomboy, and co-host Jake Storiale discussed the risks of relying too heavily on one star.Jimmy O’Brien warned that the Yankees’ entire season could collapse if Aaron Judge misses time. He explained that Judge is not just a power hitter but the backbone of the lineup. Jake Storiale agreed, saying the team struggles to score when Judge is not on the field. Their comments came after the Yankees failed to make a major free-agent signing early in the offseason. The front office had concentrated on smaller moves as of late December 2024, whereas some rival teams undertook strong improvements.

The concern is not new. Aaron Judge has dealt with injuries in past seasons, and analysts believe the roster lacks enough protection behind him in the batting order.Jimmy O’Brien also pointed to the Yankees’ bold decision before the 2024 season, when they traded for Juan Soto. That move helped the team reach the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Yankees eventually lost the series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, but the impact of Soto was clear.

O’Brien said the front office should follow the same plan again by adding another strong hitter to support Aaron Judge. He highlighted how past stopgap solutions at first base and designated hitter have not worked over full seasons. The urgency grew after the 2025 postseason. In October 2025, the Yankees finished second in the AL East behind the Toronto Blue Jays. The same Blue Jays then eliminated New York in the American League Division Series.Meanwhile, Toronto continued to add talent during the offseason, increasing pressure on the Yankees to respond. Analysts believe the window to win with Aaron Judge at his peak is still open, but only if the team acts quickly.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: MLB Insiders Predicting Kazuma Okamoto Could Surpass $34 Million Murakami Deal As Orioles Eye JoJo Romero