Let’s talk about the Yankees, Aaron Boone, and the challenge ahead. When New York has World Series aspirations but are missing a key piece of their lineup, the pressure cranks up fast.
Right now, Boone is facing a big one: how to keep the Yankees’ offense rolling without Giancarlo Stanton.
Judge Moves to the Two-Hole
For those who haven’t been keeping score, Stanton is out with epicondylitis in both arms (which, in non-medical terms, means his elbows are a mess), and he’s also returned to New York for personal reasons.
That means Boone has had to go back to the drawing board, figuring out how to keep this lineup dangerous while missing one of its biggest power hitters. The answer? Boone said on Foul Territory he’s moving Aaron Judge up to the second spot in the batting order.
This isn’t exactly new for Judge—he’s spent a good chunk of his career hitting second, and the numbers don’t lie. Over 529 games in that slot, he’s posted a .282 average, cranked 173 home runs, driven in 381 RBIs, and put up a monster .992 OPS.
That’s elite production, and Boone wants him to make an impact in games as early as possible.
Who Bats Third Is The Big Question
But here’s the real question: If Judge hits second, who’s stepping up to bat third? Because that’s a crucial spot. You need someone who can provide protection and keep pitchers from working around Aaron Judge while driving in runs.
Depending on matchups, Boone hinted that Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Cody Bellinger could be in the mix. And that’s where things get interesting—both are talented hitters, but neither is Stanton when it comes to sheer intimidation factor.
This decision could make or break the Yankees’ offensive flow. If the third hitter struggles, opposing pitchers will have a much easier time pitching around Judge, limiting his chances to do damage.
If someone steps up? Suddenly, the Yankees’ lineup looks a whole lot more dangerous again.
Can the Yankees Adapt and Contend?
Stanton’s absence forces the Yankees to adapt, and that adaptability will define their season. Boone has only one pennant to show for his seven-year tenure, and with the team’s eyes locked on the World Series, every decision matters.
Judge moving to the two-hole makes sense, but the Yankees need to find the right balance behind him. In a league where power reigns, you need more than just one guy carrying the load.
