When it comes to captaincy for the New York Yankees, there are a variety of players that could fill the role of leading the clubhouse.
Ranging from Aaron Judge to Brett Gardner, leadership and experience come in many different forms. Whether it be a consistent player who supplements injuries later on in their career or young sluggers who are primed for a legendary legacy, filling the role of captain is no easy feat.
Leading a group of men can be problematic, especially when losses begin to pile up. Luckily for the Yankees, they are one of the most winningest teams in recent history, but history has also indicated the Yankees don’t prefer to have captains. According to the baseball almanac, they have only had 13.
Earning such an accolade is a prestigious honor for any Yankee, as the last one to earn the recognition was Derek Jeter, following names like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Don Mattingly.
Ultimately, whoever they choose, if they end up deciding to coin a current active player as captain, will have to be on a long-term deal and established. Judge comes with issues, notably his health history and inability to remain active and productive for the Bombers.
Judge played in just 102 games in 2019, hitting 27 homers and logging 55 RBIs over 378 at-bats. It was his worst season since his rookie campaign in 2017.
Alternatively, the Yankees have players like Brett Gardner, who has spent 12 years in pinstripes but is close to retirement. I don’t believe the Yankees well give him that honor at such a late stage in his career, but you never know considering the value he brought last season, hitting a career-high 28 homers and 74 RBIs.
Along with statistical production, the Yankees require their leaders to be exceptional human beings. Jeter was not only beneficial to the team, but he gave back to the community and made himself a positive figure for many people, not just baseball fans.
I believe Judge has that spark in him to do the same, and if he earns a long-term contract for the Yankees, he could be the first since Jeter to become a captain in pinstripes.