With the Yankees’ season concluded, Aaron Judge has confirmed that “some work” will be done on his right elbow flexor strain, not dismissing the prospect of surgery, a critical development for fans.
The offseason for the New York Yankees has begun with a significant question mark looming over their superstar, Aaron Judge. Following the team’s elimination from the postseason on Wednesday, Judge did not rule out the possibility of undergoing surgery to address the flexor strain in his right elbow, an injury that hampered him throughout the latter part of the 2025 season.
When asked about the future of his elbow, Judge stated, “We’ll definitely do some work on it and get it right.” Pressed further on whether “work” could entail surgery, the 33-year-old outfielder offered a cautious, “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know,” as reported by ESPN. This candid acknowledgment has immediately become a central topic of discussion among the Yankees faithful, anxious about the health of their team’s cornerstone.
The Lingering Impact of a Flexor Strain
Judge’s elbow issues became public in late July when he was diagnosed with a flexor strain. This type of injury, common among baseball players, particularly pitchers, affects the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers. For an outfielder, it can significantly compromise throwing strength and accuracy. The initial diagnosis led to a 10-day stint on the injured list, a period that highlighted Judge’s critical importance to the Yankees’ lineup.
Upon his return to action on August 5, Judge was primarily utilized as the designated hitter, a role he maintained for nearly a month, through September 4. This strategic limitation aimed to protect his arm while keeping his potent bat in the lineup. During this 27-game stretch, while his on-base percentage remained a respectable .415, his batting average dipped to .242 with a .474 slugging percentage, collecting six home runs and 12 RBIs. Despite individual fluctuations, the Yankees demonstrated resilience, posting an 18-9 record in the period following his return from the IL.
Return to the Outfield and Postseason Grit
As the regular season wound down, Aaron Judge made his full return to right field on September 5, signaling a desire to be as complete a player as possible for the crucial stretch. While his throwing ability was reportedly still limited, he progressively built arm strength. Notably, he delivered a 90.2-mph throw in Game 1 of the American League Division Series, according to ESPN. He started all seven of the Yankees’ postseason games in the outfield, demonstrating his commitment despite the underlying injury.
His offensive performance in the playoffs was nothing short of heroic. In seven postseason contests, Judge batted an astonishing .500 (13-for-26) with one home run, four walks, and seven RBIs. This included a pivotal game-tying, three-run home run in ALDS Game 3 against the Toronto Blue Jays, a moment that momentarily reignited hopes for a deeper playoff run. This incredible output underscores his ability to perform at an elite level even while compromised.
A Career Defined by Power and Consistency
The 2025 season was another historic chapter in Aaron Judge’s already illustrious career. He finished with a remarkable slash line of .331/.457/.688, leading all of Major League Baseball in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, per MLB.com statistics. He became only the fourth player in MLB history to achieve his fourth 50-homer season, cementing his place among the game’s all-time power hitters. His 47th home run of the year further propelled him into fourth place on the Yankees’ all-time home run list.
These individual accolades, including his two American League MVP awards, solidify his status as one of the game’s most dominant forces. The flexor strain, initially reported by The Athletic in late July, put a temporary pause on his season but did not fully derail his offensive production.
Fan Outlook and Offseason Implications
For the Yankees’ passionate fanbase, the prospect of Aaron Judge needing elbow surgery is a significant concern. A successful operation could ensure his long-term health and continued elite performance, while a prolonged recovery or complications could impact his ability to prepare for the upcoming season. Fans are accustomed to Judge’s resilience, but the elbow is a critical joint for a baseball player, affecting both throwing and batting power.
The decision on how best to treat Judge’s elbow injury is expected to be made soon. This offseason choice will not only dictate Judge’s individual recovery process but will also play a crucial role in shaping the Yankees’ strategies and championship aspirations for the next season. His health remains paramount for a franchise aiming to return to World Series contention.
