With time running short before the MLB trade deadline, Aaron Judge hopes there is another move the Yankees can make to put them over the top.
“The other teams are making moves, so hopefully we start making moves, too. We’ll see,” the slugger said after hitting two home runs in the Yanks’ 14-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.
Judge’s comments came with just under 20 hours remaining for general manager Brian Cashman to execute a move to improve the roster – perhaps adding another starter, help in the bullpen or even another outfielder – ahead of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. EDT deadline.
The Yanks reportedly checked in with the Giants about left-hander Blake Snell and rumors have swirled about the potential of lefty Nestor Cortes departing.
Adding to the sense of urgency of Judge’s comments is the fact that they came on the heels of Jazz Chisholm, New York’s first deadline acquisition, making a big impact as he launched his first two home runs with his new club.
“Yeah, just kinda like we thought: dynamic player,” Judge said of Chisholm, who was making his first career start at third base. “That first ball that gets hit to him there and turns a sweet double play and… then even late in the game stops a for-sure double down the line. Just getting a chance to knock down that ball is huge.
“And then we see what he does offensively. It’s impressive, man. It’s fun to watch. He’s electric, he’s excited to be here, he’s having fun. He’s definitely making a big impact so far.”
Manager Aaron Boone called Chisholm a “special athlete” before the game and everything went to plan in his first opportunity on the hot corner handling every chance he had, including robbing Austin Hays of a double and starting a 5-4-3 twin killing in the first inning.
“I felt really comfortable at third,” the new Yankee said of his new position. “Back in the infield, felt great, that’s where I feel like I deserve to be.”
Chisholm made the start in center on Sunday and appeared here in 94 games this season and 95 last year with the Marlins after starting his career at second base and shortstop.
After taking Zack Wheeler deep in the second inning, Chisholm picked up Judge’s bat – which had already hit 836 feet worth of homers on the night – to sock his second-round tripper of the night in the ninth inning off Phillies second baseman turned reliever Bryson Stott.
“That was all him, that was all him. He was holding it, taking some practice swings and kind of looked at me,” Judge said. “…I said, ‘Go for it. Just make sure you use it,’ and he definitely did. So I think I get half a homer for that one.”
The new Yankee was happy to give Judge “half” of a homer and despite the 388-foot blast doesn’t have plans to use that piece of lumber any time in the future.
“Definitely not gonna use that again tomorrow, that bat was so heavy!” he said with a laugh. “I don’t think I ever got a hit against a position player until tonight. And I was like, ‘You know what, Cap? I’m either gonna go up there right-handed or I’m gonna go use your bat. He’s like, ‘Go ahead. Use my bat.’ It worked.”
Overall, Chisholm called it “super exciting” to have joined a team in the hunt.
“Who doesn’t want to come over and help a playoff-contending team win?” he said. “These guys have been welcoming me with open arms and I can’t do much more except play my best.”
Source Agencies
