BREAKING NEWS: Aaron Boone Announces Plans to Move Aaron Judge Back to Right Field for the 2025 Season
In a significant shift for the New York Yankees’ defensive alignment, manager Aaron Boone has announced plans to move star outfielder Aaron Judge back to his original position in right field for the 2025 season. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to optimize the team’s roster and maximize Judge’s impact both defensively and offensively.
Judge, who has spent considerable time in center field over the past few seasons, will return to right field, where he established himself as one of the premier defenders in Major League Baseball. Boone explained that this move would allow the Yankees to better balance their outfield and provide stability for the team as they look to make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
“We feel like Aaron’s best position is in right field,” Boone said during a press conference on April 9, 2025. “He’s a Gold Glove-caliber player, and that’s where he’s been at his most comfortable and effective. With the depth we have in the outfield and the emerging talent we have in Jasson Domínguez and Cody Bellinger, moving Aaron back to right field just makes sense for this team.”
Judge’s move to right field will also allow for an improved alignment in center field, where Cody Bellinger, who was acquired in the offseason, will take over as the everyday starter. The team also plans to shift top prospect Jasson Domínguez to left field, positioning him to benefit from the seasoned leadership of Judge while also allowing the Yankees to make the most of his impressive speed and fielding range.
While Judge’s bat has been his primary asset throughout his career, his defensive prowess in right field has been equally noteworthy. As a former Gold Glove winner in 2017, Judge has proven to be one of the best defensive right fielders in the league, combining his massive frame with exceptional agility and a strong arm. Moving him back to his natural position is seen as a way to shore up the Yankees’ defense, which struggled at times during the 2024 season.
“Having Judge back in right field gives us a lot of confidence, not only in his ability to cover ground and make spectacular plays, but also his leadership and presence in the outfield,” Boone added. “It sets a tone for the rest of the guys.”
The decision also reflects the Yankees’ broader strategy heading into the 2025 season, where the team is focused on building a more balanced roster that maximizes both offensive firepower and defensive stability. The return to right field allows Judge to focus on his strengths, while the shift also benefits the team’s lineup construction, providing more flexibility in both the outfield and at the plate.
For Judge, this return to right field also marks a fresh chapter in his career after years of being shuffled between the outfield spots. The 2025 season will be crucial for the Yankees, as they look to compete in a loaded American League East division. Judge, who is coming off a strong 2024 campaign where he posted 45 home runs and 100 RBIs, will once again be a key factor in the team’s quest for a World Series championship.
With Boone’s new alignment in place, fans can expect a rejuvenated Yankees squad in 2025, one that looks poised to leverage its star power and deep roster to reclaim its spot at the top of the American League. Judge’s return to right field is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a move that could have a significant impact on the Yankees’ success this season.