New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has made a surprising lineup decision following Giancarlo Stanton’s injury. How will this change impact Aaron Judge and the team’s World Series aspirations? Find out here.

TAMPA, Fla. — As New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge stood before his locker in the visitors clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium on the final day of the 2023 season, he made it clear that there was no one he would rather have as his manager than Aaron Boone.

Aaron Judge prefers hitting third and he won the AL MVP batting in that spot last season, but manager Aaron Boone is leaning on moving the Yankees captain into the No. 2 hole. AP

The New York Yankees deployed right fielder Aaron Judge as their third hitter most of the time last season. Anthony Volpe in the first half, and Gleyber Torres for most of the second were the leadoff hitters,

The Yankees signed Boone to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Thursday, ensuring that he will not enter this season as a lame-duck manager.

Looking to repeat a World Series appearance, the New York Yankees need superstar Aaron Judge to be as fresh as possible. That's why, like a handful of other veterans, Judge was held out of spring training games for the first week of camp.

Training is in full swing, with all 30 teams participating in exhibition games or workouts daily. The defending American League Champion New York Yankees are prepping for what they hope is another long October run.