Outfielder Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ first-round draft pick in 2013, is only in the midst of his second professional season, but he has opened eyes with his performance at Double-A Trenton.
“He’s impressive in all areas,” said Trenton hitting coach P.J. Pilittere about the hulking Judge, who is 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds. “The size, stature and physical gifts are off the charts.”
Judge initially was drafted by the Athletics in the 31st round of the 2010 draft, but opted to go to college at Fresno State. After being drafted by the Yankees, he enjoyed a solid debut season in 2014, hitting .308 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs in time split between Single-A Charleston and High-A Tampa.
He hit .278 in 90 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League and has enjoyed a strong start to this season, with a .324 batting average and a .917 OPS in 33 games.
“He has tremendous potential and we believe he will become a middle-of-the-order type major league player with above-average defensive ability in right field,” Yankees vice president of player development Gary Denbo said.
A scout who has seen Judge play said he is improving, but is not the complete package yet.
“He’s a good defender and should play an average-to-plus right field,” the scout said. “He really moves well for his size.
“Offensively, his swing is long and strong and his stride direction has improved. He looks like a .240-.250 type hitter with 25-plus homers. He will struggle with top-tier pitching but mid-to-bottom rotation stuff he should handle.”
Along with his strong play on the field, Judge also has received praise for his leadership and discipline.
“The biggest [thing] that impresses me is his preparation,” Pilittere said. “He’s a hard worker and always has been, but his preparation skills [in terms of] getting ready to face particular pitchers, it’s all with a purpose. It’s been impressive to see him improve.”
“Aaron participated in our ‘Captain’s Camp’ this spring and proved to be not only one of our hardest-working players, but also displayed outstanding leadership abilities as he worked with our younger players,” Denbo said.
With Judge on the fast-track to the majors sometime in the next few years, Pilittere said he’s working with the 23-year-old to make sure that he stays on an even keel.
“What we do daily is work on our mental application, our state of mind and progress,” he said. “We’re keeping in mind how to have success in New York. You’re close, and we need [him] to be mentally ready to be the best. He’s grasped it very well.”