One of Aaron Judge’s chief wishes has just become a reality. After a disastrous 2023, Aaron Judge was at the forefront, demanding changes within the New York Yankees organization.
One of his biggest complaints was how the analytics team delivered data to the players. With numbers holding a supreme position in modern baseball, it became crucial for the Bombers to change their system. They’ve done just that by appointing Aaron Leanhardt as their new Major League analyst.
As the New York Post reports, Aaron Judge and Aaron Leanhardt grew closer last month during late night hitting practice session. It was then that Judge realized the inherent potential and talent of Leanhardt. So it isn’t a surprise that after this appointment, the Yankees captain has come out in full support of their new analyst.
“I’m excited about him. He’s in a good role, being that analyst, that’s the barrier between us and the analytics. What I’ve seen so far, he does a good job funneling the information down. I think the guys are going to love him,” Judge said. The Captain’s immense respect for Leanhardt was shared by skipper Aaron Boone as well.
“He’s got a great work ethic, an insane love of the game. He’s the guy that’s here forever, just all things baseball,” Boone remarked. Leanhardt has certainly been through a long journey.
What makes Aaron Leanhardt special, according to Aaron Judge?
Aaron Leanhardt was once a professor and MIT Physicist before he turned his attention to baseball. He’s spent years coaching many low-level teams and affiliates. It’s because of his history as the hitting coach that Judge finds him an apt appointment by the team. Judge continued, “He’ll be able to filter through the numbers…I think he’ll do a good job of understanding why certain numbers say certain things.”
It was a serious problem for the Yankees in their 82-80 disaster. Apart from Judge, their ace Gerrit Cole has also agreed that their analysis was a little subpar last year. Lack of clarity hampered their hitting form. So now that Leanhardt is here, one looks to see how this will change the Pinstripes in the long run.