Are the Yankees Right to Hide Aaron Judge’s Throwing Issues?

The New York Yankees have always been under the brightest spotlight in Major League Baseball. With 27 World Series titles, countless legends, and one of the most passionate fan bases in sports, every decision they make is scrutinized. In 2025, that scrutiny has once again centered on Aaron Judge, the team’s captain and most important player.

Judge, coming back from a right elbow flexor strain, has looked dangerous at the plate but noticeably limited in the field. His throws from right field lack their usual strength, raising questions among fans, media, and analysts. Yet, the Yankees insist Judge is “100 percent.”

This has sparked a fiery debate: Are the Yankees right to hide Aaron Judge’s throwing issues? Or is this strategy damaging trust with fans and the broader baseball community?

This in-depth article explores the controversy in detail — from the team’s official messaging, the observations on the field, the role of media, fan reactions on Reddit, to the larger ethical and strategic questions it raises.

Overview of the Situation

The debate came to light in a Yahoo Sports video featuring senior MLB analysts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman. The two broke down the issue, questioning whether the Yankees were justified in downplaying Judge’s arm limitations since his return.

• Judge’s Claim: He insists he’s “100 percent,” ready to contribute fully.

• The Reality on the Field: Observers have noticed weaker throws from right field, especially compared to his pre-injury form.

• The Yankees’ Decision: By downplaying the problem, the team may be attempting to:

  • Maintain a competitive advantage (keep opponents guessing).

  • Prevent public panic about Judge’s health.

• The Risk: This approach could erode trust among fans and media, who see a gap between what’s being said and what’s happening on the field.

Key Points Discussed

Judge’s Public Messaging vs. On-Field Evidence

Judge’s insistence that he is fully healthy clashes with the visible decline in his throwing power. In one game, instead of unleashing his signature rocket from right field, he settled for a soft lob throw to the infield.

This moment has become a symbol of the problem: fans see limitations, but official statements say otherwise.

The Yankees’ Strategic Silence

From a purely competitive standpoint, the Yankees may not want to broadcast Judge’s limitations. Baseball is a sport of adjustments. If opponents know Judge cannot throw effectively from the outfield, they’ll take more risks on the basepaths. By keeping things vague, the Yankees may hope to reduce that advantage for other teams.

The Risk of Losing Trust

While strategic secrecy makes sense on the field, it risks alienating fans and media. Transparency is often valued, especially in a franchise like the Yankees, where trust and tradition play an important role. If fans believe the team is sugarcoating reality, frustration can quickly grow.

A Wider Media Perspective

The New York Post has already weighed in, criticizing the Yankees for their handling of the situation. A recent column described how Judge’s weakened throw — a lob instead of a laser — was “a deluded version of reality” that helped no one.

The critique emphasizes that pretending Judge is fully healthy doesn’t serve fans, teammates, or the player himself. Instead, it creates confusion and distrust, especially when every play is dissected by television broadcasts and social media.

The Post’s commentary aligns with the skepticism many analysts have expressed: if Judge isn’t fully capable of performing defensively, the Yankees need to acknowledge it openly instead of pretending otherwise.

Fan Sentiment on Reddit

The issue has become a hot topic in Yankees online communities, particularly on Reddit. Fan comments show the divided emotions surrounding Judge’s health and the Yankees’ messaging.

One fan summarized the dilemma perfectly:

“They’re trying to win, but also safeguarding Judge’s future. … The team needs wins and he hits the Jays well.” — Vandal_A

Another comment highlighted the disconnect between public messaging and performance:

“It’s obvious he’s playing injured, Boone just thinks he’s fooling everyone.” — GlobalMousse1670

These perspectives underscore two things:

1. Fans understand the team’s desire to keep Judge in the lineup.

2. They are frustrated by the mixed messages between what the Yankees say and what they see with their own eyes.

A Breakdown of the Situation

Ethical and Strategic Questions

This controversy raises an important ethical and strategic debate:

• Ethical Question: Should a team be transparent with its fans about a star player’s limitations, or is withholding the truth acceptable in pursuit of wins?

• Strategic Question: Does revealing Judge’s limitations hand too much information to opponents, putting the Yankees at a competitive disadvantage?

For the Yankees, balancing these two questions is critical. In the short term, secrecy may help them win games. In the long term, however, trust with fans and media is harder to rebuild once it’s lost.

Judge’s Role in the Yankees Lineup

Even with throwing limitations, Aaron Judge is still vital to the Yankees:

• At the Plate: His offensive power remains elite, capable of carrying games with his bat.

• Leadership: As captain, Judge’s presence inspires teammates and reassures the clubhouse.

• Star Power: He is the face of the franchise, and his involvement in games keeps fans engaged.

However, if his defensive value declines significantly, the Yankees may face tough decisions about positioning him, resting him, or managing his workload differently.

Fan-Base Dynamics

Yankees fans are not just any fans — they are among the most knowledgeable, vocal, and demanding in all of sports. They don’t just cheer; they analyze every pitch, swing, and throw.

For such a passionate fan base, transparency matters deeply. If they feel misled, backlash can be swift and severe. On the other hand, if the Yankees are honest about Judge’s condition, fans may accept it — as long as they see a strategy to protect both the player’s health and the team’s playoff hopes.

The Boone Factor

Manager Aaron Boone plays a central role in shaping the narrative. His optimistic tone has sometimes clashed with on-field evidence. Fans often accuse him of “spinning” situations to sound more positive than they are.

This contributes to the skepticism. When Boone insists Judge is fine, but fans see soft throws in the outfield, the credibility gap widens. Boone’s communication style, while well-intentioned, may actually be fueling frustration.

What Should the Yankees Do?

So, what’s the best path forward for the Yankees?

1. Transparency with Limits: They don’t need to disclose every detail of Judge’s medical condition but should acknowledge that he is not yet at full defensive capacity.

2. Clear Strategy: Explain how they will manage Judge’s health — possibly more DH appearances, load management, or late-inning substitutions.

3. Consistency: Align messaging between Judge, Boone, and the front office to avoid contradictions.

4. Fan Respect: Treat fans as stakeholders, not outsiders. A little honesty can preserve long-term loyalty.

Conclusion

The question, “Are the Yankees right to hide Aaron Judge’s throwing issues?”, does not have a simple yes-or-no answer.

From a strategic perspective, there is logic in keeping opponents uncertain. Judge’s bat is too important, and his reputation as a defender still carries weight.

From a fan and media perspective, however, secrecy undermines trust. When fans see weak throws but hear claims of perfect health, frustration grows.

Aaron Judge remains the cornerstone of the Yankees’ hopes, but if the team continues to gloss over his limitations, they risk not only damaging his long-term health but also alienating the very fan base that sustains them.

In the end, honesty may be the best competitive advantage of all.