The Yankees have their backs against the wall when the team reaches Game 3 of the ALDS. They have lost their last 2 games against the Jays, and now everyone is focusing on Carlos Rondon to keep the Yankees’ season alive. Hal Steinbrenner’s $300 million investment has backfired, leaving Yankees fans restless and critics circling. The Yankees’ killer, Aaron Judge, now faces the pressure of sparking a turnaround instead of being the moment’s hammer. For the Yankees, it is no longer related to their reputation; it is now related to survival.

The series has shown multiple issues within the Yankees. Game 1 was a brutal 19-1 loss; however, Game 2 stung the nerves. Right-hander Try Yesavage carved through Aaron Boone’s lineup with 5 1⁄3 hitless innings and 11 strikeouts. It has made the Yankees’ star-studded offense look ordinary, specifically, in this period of the season. The sixth inning brought some hope; however, the Jays answered every punch. The Jays’ Guerrero Jr. provided an elite slam, and that blew the game wide open. It helped him to continue his knack for postseason damage against the Yankees. For Aaron Judge and other stars, the narrative quickly shifted from elite dominance to desperation.

Former Yankees star Clint Frazier did not stop in his Game 2 review. While seated in a balcony of New York, the former star warned about the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. threat, “The Yankee killer continued to be the Yankee killer. So, if they want to find success in this game three, they’ve got to throw ice on that guy. That guy’s got to be calmed down. He’s too comfy in the box. A lot of those hitters look too comfy in the box.” Clint Frazier highlighted how the Jays looked to punish every mistake made by the Yankees, like Guerrero’s grand slam, Springer’s homer, and Clement’s blast. The former star highlighted how Yesavage made the Yankees “a $300 million lineup look like, they’ve never seen a splitter before,” and by this, Clint Frazier tried to highlight the Yankees’ offensive imbalance.

That is where Aaron Judge’s approach becomes pivotal. In multiple seasons and in past Octobers, Judge has played as an elite star against the Jays. However, now Guerrero Jr. has terrorized the pitching of the team, and Rodon is facing a potent lineup that hit the star for a .270 average this season. Rodon provides some optimism; however, neutralizing Guerrero and tightening command will be vital. If he plays effectively and Judge guides the offensive situation, Steinbrenner’s investment could just buy the team one more day of October baseball.

Now, Aaron Boone’s team is putting its hope on Carlos Rodon. The manager made it clear before game 3 that the team’s hope in Rodon is unwavering: “Any time we give him the ball, we feel like we have an excellent chance to win.” The lefties posted an 18-9 record with a 3.09 ERA this season, and the management thinks that he is built for moments like this. The situation on the ground is expected to be electric, and if the team is to climb again, Carlos Rodon needs to establish the situation early against the Jays.

Now, placing focus on another vital factor, handing over this season. For all of Carlos Rodon’s power on the field, the Yankees’ hope could rest on whether Aaron Judge can flip the narrative with his bat.

Yankees insider issues vital Aaron Judge challenge amid offensive drought

It would not be easy for the Yankees to take a U-turn in this series, and one insider believes their only practical hope lies with Aaron Judge. According to New York Post columnist Joel Sherman, Aaron Judge must navigate the clubhouse and deliver several big moments, not just base hits, but home runs, to give New York a fighting chance against a red-hot Toronto lineup. His point-blank take highlights the Yankees’ dire offensive struggles, as the Blue Jays have racked up 23 runs in the first two games, overwhelming New York’s pitching and pushing constant comebacks.

While Carlos Rodón is on the verge of launching Game 3, even a strong outing will mean little if the bats remain silent. Judge’s power sparked the Yankees throughout the 2025 regular season, and now the franchise desperately needs that same power under postseason pressure.

However, the postseason has painted a distinctive picture so far. Despite hitting an impressive .444 across 18 playoff at-bats, the star has yet to hit a home run, which is a surprising contrast for him, who crushed 53 homers and drove in 114 runs during the regular season. It is a paradoxical situation: consistent contact without Aaron Judge’s trademark power and for a lineup built around long balls, that absence is glaring. Given Judge’s dominant season, expectations are high. Fans are waiting for that signature swing that can flip momentum. One timely home run from the star could redefine this series, and that is exactly the spark the Yankees need right now.

Finally, this series has turned into a showdown between Toronto’s unstoppable offense and the Yankees’ quest for power. Rodón can keep them in the battle, but Judge must land the knockout blows. If he finds his home run hit in the Bronx, New York, he might just write another classic comeback episode. If not, Steinbrenner’s $300 million investment could end up remembered for another October failure.