Yankees captain outlines 'World Series-or-bust' mentality going into 2024

All-Star slugger and captain Aaron Judge seems to understand the 2024 New York Yankees are a "World Series-or-bust" team following the acquisition of outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres this past December.

"That’s why we’re here [to win it all]," Judge said while speaking with reporters on Tuesday, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. "That’s why I get up every single day, that’s why I put in the work, not only at the field but in the offseason. It’s to bring a championship back to this city, back to this team. That’s why we’re all here."

Sherman pointed out that Judge, who is 10th in Yankees history with 257 career home runs, likely wants to have his number retired by the storied franchise one day. While Don Mattingly currently is the only Yankee to have his number retired without having ever claimed a World Series ring with the organization, the Bronx Bombers haven't won a title since the fall of 2009. 

Judge made his MLB debut in 2016. 

Of course, legacy is just one reason Judge is ring-chasing this year. Dayn Perry of CBS Sports noted that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman admitted as recently as last week that Soto will likely test free agency this fall. Additionally, Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media suggested on Wednesday that manager Aaron Boone is essentially "auditioning for his job" in 2024 considering Boone's contract has only a club option for 2025. 

"It’s been quite a long time since we’ve got to that finish line," Judge continued. "But a lot of the pieces we’ve added to this room, especially a couple of changes we made with the coaches, guys we brought in, I think it’s going to all push us toward the right direction, which is ultimately being the last team standing."

Judge acknowledged Tuesday he may need "constant maintenance" for the rest of his career to deal with the torn ligament in his big right toe that he suffered last season. For a piece published on Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post questioned if the Yankees have enough viable starting pitching to make a World Series run after the club missed the playoffs in 2023. 

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Yankees fourth among the betting favorites at +1000 odds to win this year's World Series. 

"I think my best season will be when we’re holding up that (Commissioner's Trophy)," Judge added. The five-time All-Star and one-time American League Most Valuable Player turns only 32 years old in April, but one wonders just how much is left of his prime considering his lengthy injury history.