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Aaron Judge Enters Wild Card on a Tear as Yankees Confront His October Gap

The Yankees' captain arrives off an AL Player of the Month September after returning from a late-July elbow strain.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees watches the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Sep 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) gestures after hitting a two run single in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 19, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) warms up during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Judge’s career postseason line sits at a .205 average with a .768 OPS and a 33% strikeout rate across 262 plate appearances, far below his regular-season marks.
  • He was named American League Player of the Month for September after hitting .370/.527/.765 with 10 home runs, 27 walks and 27 runs in a 30-for-81 surge.
  • A right elbow flexor strain in late July led to a brief IL stint and a DH-only return before he resumed right field duties heading into October.
  • New York opens a best-of-three Wild Card Series against Boston, a format that leaves little margin for early struggles.
  • Game plans feature tough prior matchups for Judge, with Garrett Crochet (3-for-15, two homers allowed) and Brayan Bello (2-for-21, six walks) having contained him in small samples, as he publicly embraces the pressure of his role.