As the New York Yankees prepare for another postseason run, all eyes are on Aaron Judge’s broad shoulders. This season, the seven-time All-Star boasts the best batting average in MLB at .325 and the highest OPS at 1.121. Yet, Judge remains haunted by his playoff struggles, which have long followed him throughout his career.

Judge’s regular-season dominance tells one story, but the postseason tells another. His career regular-season average of .293 dips to .205 in playoff games, while his lifetime OPS drops from 1.025 to .768 under postseason pressure. During last year’s playoffs, Judge batted just .184 and struck out 20 times, fueling doubts about whether the Yankees can win a championship with their superstar struggling in October.

Ryan Garcia, a content creator for Empire Sports Media, discussed the Yankees’ World Series chances on New York Post Sports with host Brandon London. He drew a concerning parallel to struggling NFL teams: “I’m looking at the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last half-decade. They don’t ever have a chance to win when they get in,” Garcia said, highlighting teams that falter at critical moments. Still, he remains hopeful about the Yankees’ depth: “They have enough talent on that roster. They have enough frontline starting pitching, and with Devin Williams getting hot at the right time, maybe they have the bullpen to do it as well.”

When Garcia addressed Judge’s postseason performance specifically, he underscored the mounting pressure: “I think for Aaron Judge, it would be such a huge—they’d be getting the monkey off his back to play really well in the postseason,” he noted. “If Aaron Judge is hot, that is the best version of the Yankees. If he’s hot in October, I think they will win the World Series.” This sentiment encapsulates the team’s reliance on their captain to deliver when it matters most.

Despite the team’s 89-68 record securing a playoff berth, Judge remains focused on loftier goals. “Our ultimate goal is to win the division,” he asserted. “It’s still right there for us. We’re excited about getting in, but we’ve got bigger things ahead of us.” Judge understands that overcoming his postseason struggles could be key to bringing the World Series trophy back to the Bronx for the first time since 2009. The Yankees trail the Blue Jays by just one game in the tight AL East race.

The Yankees are pursuing the division title not just for seeding but to build momentum entering October. The stakes have never been higher as the season winds down, with every game carrying major championship implications.

Yankees and Aaron Judge chase AL East title

Judge’s championship mindset reflects the Yankees’ refusal to settle for simply making the playoffs. With only five regular-season games left, the team faces a critical juncture where every pitch matters in the bid for the AL East crown. Toronto’s slender lead includes the vital tiebreaker advantage, raising the stakes for the Yankees.

Tonight’s game against the last-place Chicago White Sox offers more than just a regular-season contest—it’s a chance to send a statement. The Yankees will send ace Max Fried to the mound for his final regular-season start. Fried boasts an impressive 18-5 record with a 2.92 ERA. In contrast, the White Sox counter with reliever Fraser Ellard, who struggles with a 0-2 record and a 4.50 ERA as their opener.

Fried’s start serves two purposes: positioning himself optimally for a Game 1 wild-card start with the most rest and helping the Yankees secure the division title and home-field advantage.

Manager Aaron Boone has crafted a lineup balancing everyday players with those who roll in situations. Trent Grisham will start in center field, followed by Judge in right field. Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, Ben Rice, Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, and Ryan McMahon complete the starting nine.

Aaron Judge carries the immense pressure of leading the Yankees not just into the playoffs but toward a championship, aware that his postseason performance can define their fate. With the AL East race tighter than ever, the team’s hopes rest on Judge overcoming past struggles and elevating his game when it matters most. As October looms, the Yankees are poised for a dramatic finish fueled by their superstar’s resilience and leadership.