ESPN Hands Yankees B+ for 2026 Despite Judge's Absence
The short version
- ESPN's David Schoenfield gave the Yankees a B+ for the 2026 season.
- Aaron Judge is likely out for next week's Wild Card Series; the Yankees are 48-41 without him.
- Judge has missed more than 90 games, yet New York is neck and neck with the Cubs for most home runs.
- The Yankees lead the majors in rotation ERA despite injuries to Fried, Cole and Rodon.
- Cam Schlittler allowed one run or fewer in 21 of 31 starts, a franchise record.
New York earned strong marks for its power output and rotation even while missing Aaron Judge and several key starters.
ESPN's David Schoenfield handed the New York Yankees a B+ for the 2026 campaign, pointing to their home run power without Aaron Judge and a pitching staff that has stayed effective through injuries.
Judge, the star right fielder, is expected to sit out next week's Wild Card Series. New York has gone 48-41 in games the three-time MVP has missed this year, although Tampa Bay claimed the AL East title, celebrating at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.
Schoenfield credited general manager Brian Cashman's roster construction, writing that the team's depth has again delivered a postseason berth even as Judge has been sidelined for more than 90 games. He noted the Yankees remain close to the Cubs for the major league lead in home runs and top the sport in rotation ERA despite Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon each missing substantial time.
Cam Schlittler, the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award, is in line to start Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. He has held opponents to one run or fewer in 21 of his 31 starts, a franchise record, while Aaron Boone could use Fried, Cole or Rodon in Games 2 and 3.
