The $360 million man started spring workouts with a twist on Tuesday.
Outfielder Aaron Judge fielded ground balls at first base as some Yankees got a jump start on spring training in Tampa, Fla. However, Judge putting on a first base mitt isn’t an indication of a position change this upcoming season.
Teammate Gerrit Cole, who made it to Tampa ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for pitchers and catchers to report, was also out of position as he was seen in right field during batting practice.
Manager Aaron Boone plans to have first base secured with Anthony Rizzo re-signing with the Bronx Bombers. The 33-year-old signed a two-year, $40 million deal that includes a club option for the 2025 season. The former Chicago Cub appeared in 130 games for the Yankees last season, slashing .224/.338/.480. His solid defense and power bat should be enough to limit Judge’s first base reps to spring training.
Judge will enter the 2023 season after shattering the record books last season. He surpassed Roger Maris’ American League single-season home run record of 61, blasting No. 62 against the Texas Rangers on Oct. 4.
The slugger went on to win AL MVP honors, beating two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani for the award. The Yankee star finished the season slashing .311/.425/.686 with 131 RBIs.
The Yankees’ first full-squad workout in Tampa is set to take place next Monday.
