The arrival of spring training always means the beginning to a new chapter, but some pages aren't easy to turn. Suffice to say the Yankees didn't pick up their book all offseason, as their hopes of capturing a World Series title were dashed in gut-wrenching fashion by the Los Angeles Dodgers back in October.
At the center of the Yankees' meltdown just so happened to be captain Aaron Judge, whose misplay on a routine line drive to center field sparked a stunning fifth-inning collapse in Game 5 and crushed the momentum of a heavyweight bout appearing more up for grabs.
The champion Dodgers ensuingly talked trash, which drew the ire of some Yankees players and coaches. But the disappointing finish and consequences from on-field mistakes appear to be in the back of Judge's mind now. He's moving forward.
"Definitely coming in hungry, if not hungrier than in year's past," Judge said on Monday. "Getting to the dance and then losing out on it definitely is a lot worse than not even getting in. Guys are motivated and ready to go. Definitely some great energy so far. Guys are ready to get back to work, get us back in that spot, rewrite the script...
"Getting a chance to nibble on that final piece, trying to get close to a championship, really drives that hunger and passion for guys. We were checking in all offseason with certain guys... We heard [the Dodgers' trash talk], but there's nothing you can do besides, beat them. They won, they can say whatever they want. If you don't like it, you've got to play better."
While the Yankees have welcomed the additions of Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt to their lineup, they're undoubtedly missing Juan Soto, who chose a record-breaking contract with the crosstown rival Mets in December. Judge wouldn't have received his second-career American League MVP award without the invaluable protection from his superstar teammate last season.
During his introductory press conference with the Mets, Soto explained his free-agent move across boroughs, arguing that the long-term outlook of capturing a championship -- singular or perhaps plural -- looked much brighter in Queens than in the Bronx.
Judge said he communicated with Soto following the signing process, and nothing suggests their current relationship is on poor terms. But when asked about Soto's view on the Mets resembling the stronger championship contender, Judge broke some silence and begged to differ.
"That's his opinion, he can say what he wants. I definitely disagree with him, but I wasn't too surprised by it," Judge said. "I think that's where he wanted to be, I think that's what was best for him and his family. He got a pretty nice deal over there, you can't say no to that. But I'm happy for him. He's going to be in a great spot. It's going to be great having him in town, we're going to be battling back and forth for quite a few years."
The Yankees have a prime opportunity to repeat as AL East division champions for the first time since 2011-12, and defend their league pennant. But the fresh faces in the lineup won't be the only ones responsible for pulling their weight when the lights are brightest. In spite of Judge's stellar 2024 campaign, in which he hit 58 home runs with 144 RBI, he hit a measly .184 with 20 strikeouts in 14 postseason games.