AARON JUDGE IS A ‘REGULAR SEASON PLAYER’… Former Red Sox All-Star Shares Thoughts on Judge’s Performance—“He shines in the regular season, but…
Former Red Sox All-Star Jonathan Papelbon has made waves with his recent comments about New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, calling him a “regular-season player” and predicting a tough 2025 campaign for the Yankees’ captain. Judge, a two-time American League MVP and the holder of the Yankees’ franchise and AL record for home runs in a single season, has undoubtedly been one of baseball’s most dominant hitters. However, his postseason performances have left much to be desired, leading some, including Papelbon, to question his ability to perform when it matters most.
In a recent episode of Foul Territory, Papelbon didn’t hold back in his assessment of Judge. “I think he’s gonna have to find something else that propels him,” the former Red Sox closer said. “I know he’s a regular-season player, but the first month to me is gonna be very interesting.” Papelbon’s comments seem to suggest that Judge not only struggles in October but may also face challenges early in the 2025 season.
Looking at Judge’s 2024 performance, his season got off to a slow start. Through the month of April, he posted a batting line of .207/.340/.414 with just six home runs, a sluggish beginning for a player of his caliber. However, he quickly turned things around, slashing an incredible .322/.458/.701 with 58 home runs and a staggering 1.159 OPS for the remainder of the regular season. Judge’s ability to make adjustments and dominate opposing pitchers over the course of the season was undeniable, but that success did not carry over into the playoffs.
In the postseason, Judge’s numbers dropped off considerably. Over 14 games, he hit just .184/.344/.408 with three home runs, 20 strikeouts, and 11 walks, finishing with a .752 OPS. Those numbers were far from the production Yankees fans had hoped for from their captain. While Judge’s ability to get on base remained solid, his struggles to consistently make an impact at the plate were evident, reinforcing the narrative that he has yet to shine on baseball’s biggest stage.
Papelbon believes that these struggles could carry over into 2025, especially given the level of competition in the American League East. “Here’s the thing, at the end of the day, all baseball players are mental, man,” he said. “They all are. We’re just built that way, and we press. I mean, I’ve pressed, we’ve all pressed at certain times. I think that 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.”
There’s no denying that mental pressure plays a huge role in postseason performance, and Judge has certainly faced his fair share of it. The Yankees’ expectations are sky-high every year, and as their leader, Judge carries much of the burden. His postseason numbers, which are far below his regular-season standards, suggest that he hasn’t yet found a way to handle that pressure effectively. Papelbon, who was known for his fiery personality and clutch performances during his playing days, sees a pattern forming and doesn’t expect it to change anytime soon.
Despite Papelbon’s skepticism, there isn’t a lot of statistical evidence to support the idea that Judge will decline in 2025. At 32 years old, he is still in the prime years of his career as a power hitter. In fact, most of his underlying offensive metrics in 2024 showed improvement compared to 2023. His ability to adjust and produce at an elite level over a full season is unquestioned, even if his postseason struggles remain a concern.
The debate over Judge’s legacy will likely continue until he delivers a signature October performance or leads the Yankees to a World Series title. Until then, critics like Papelbon will continue to question whether he is anything more than an elite regular-season player. While his talent is undeniable, the true test of greatness in baseball often comes in the postseason, and Judge has yet to prove himself on that stage.
For now, Judge and the Yankees will enter the 2025 season looking to silence the doubters. With the AL East shaping up to be as competitive as ever, Judge will have plenty of opportunities to prove that he can carry his team when it matters most. Whether he can shake off the “regular-season player” label remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his every move will be scrutinized as he attempts to take the Yankees back to the top.
