

Finally, after two weeks of growing rumors and speculations, Aaron Judge has made up his mind and his free agency doubts are now settled. As expected, the 2022 American League MVP is staying in the Bronx. But being the face of the New York Yankees, and the entire MLB to an extent, another question is born, “Will Aaron Judge be announced as the Yankees captain?”
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Over the years, the Pinstripes front office and ownership have clearly asserted that the label of captaincy won’t be handed to anyone. Only if the player has time and again proved their worth to the franchise, will a captaincy label ever be a topic of discussion. And as reported by Bryan Hoch of the MLB, only the ownership can make a captaincy decision.
Will Aaron Judge be the next captain in Pinstripes?
Notably, back in 2003, it was George Steinbrenner, who named the five-time World Champion Derek Jeter as the captain of the Bronx Bombers. Almost 20 years back was the last time the Yanks elected a captain. Jeter captained their on-field roster until he retired in 2014. And since then, the shoes are yet to find an adept fit.
Any decision to name Aaron Judge captain will have to come from Hal Steinbrenner, who has said it will be "a conversation." George Steinbrenner named Derek Jeter captain in 2003.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 7, 2022
Now, when Judge has finally made up his mind after signing an enormous $360 million deal for nine years with the Pinstripes, the Yankees fans are expecting him to be the next captain of the team. Notably, being the face of the New York Yankees, this may just be the best time for Hal Steinbrenner to elect Aaron Judge as their next captain.
This is how New Yorkers received the idea of Aaron Judge as their next captain:
It’s a no-brainer.
— Tricolor Jam (@TricolorJam) December 7, 2022
Im pretty sure even Derek would agree that the first captain since him should be Aaron Judge of all players
— Keagen Clark (@Flamewarrior22) December 7, 2022
The beautiful thing about being a captain is that a true captain does not have to announce it. Everyone just knows and accepts it.
— JuiceBox (@JuiceBo93574546) December 7, 2022
Yankee fans worried more about monikers than winning rings these days.
— Dr whocares (@normaldude) December 7, 2022
So Heyman jumped the gun…again
— Nadool (@Nadool) December 7, 2022
“You’re Captain”
“Thanks”— Kodai Senga Stan (@JoeyGalloBurner) December 7, 2022
Happened with Mattingly. He didn’t want it. He wanted to test free agency. George gave him the contract he wanted but said now you’re captain, earn the $.
— Andrew Keats (@Keats6Keats) December 7, 2022
You don’t need Hal to name him anything…he’s the Captain. The people have spoken.
— Steve Hoffacker (@brickhoff602) December 7, 2022
Best player doesn’t mean best leader. I for one believe Giancarlo Stanton should be named Captain over Aaron Judge.
— Eli🙏🏽 (@_Jeterstan_) December 8, 2022
Aaron Judge is a New York Yankee.
He is your next captain.
The Yankees are the Yankees.LETS GOOOO BAYBAYYYYY pic.twitter.com/jG6IXS4vmY
— Talkin’ Jake (@TalkinJake) December 7, 2022
At the same, it is not unknown that the Yanks have gone long years without a captain. And that they won’t hesitate to continue. Don Mattingly retired in 1995. Eight years later, Jeter achieved the label. Now, Jeter retired in 2014. 8 years down the line, have the Yanks found his rightful heir?
What bold claim had Brian Cashman made about Jeter’s captaincy?
Back in 2017, when Derek Jeter’s jersey retirement ceremony came close, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman made a bold claim. He spoke about how no one could ever fill Jeter’s shoes as the Yankees captain. And that the label of captaincy should be retired with the shortstop, 14-time All-Star, and five-time World Champion.

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Multiple years down the line, do you think that still holds true? Can Aaron Judge be a fitting Derek Jeter replacement? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Watch this story: This New York Yankees legend wants to assault GM Brian Cashman – Here’s why
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