A fresh controversy has erupted in the world of Major League Baseball, and once again, New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge finds himself at its centre. This time, the debate is not about his towering home runs or his massive contract, but about his qualities as a leader. The criticism comes at a crucial time, with Judge also slated to captain Team USA at the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Coach Savicki's Blunt Assessment on Leadership
On Wednesday, MLB content creator and coach Jake Savicki made headlines with his candid remarks on the "Hold My Ball" podcast. Savicki explicitly stated that he does not believe Aaron Judge possesses the traits of a true leader, despite Judge having held the prestigious title of Yankees captain since the end of the 2022 season. His comments quickly went viral across social media platforms.
"I don't think Aaron Judge is a leader," Savicki declared. He elaborated that, in his view, Judge shows very little emotion, which is a key component of leadership. "You can't just make a leader out of a guy. If he's not a natural leader, then you're not going to get a leader out of him," he argued. Savicki emphasised that leadership extends far beyond on-field statistics, differentiating between being a great player and being a vocal, emotional presence in the clubhouse.
The Miguel Rojas Example and Yankees' Roster Strategy
To illustrate his point, Savicki pointed to Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas as an example of impactful leadership. He highlighted Rojas's performance in the 2025 World Series, where the player did not feature in the first five games. Inserted for defence in Game 6, Rojas became a hero in Game 7. He hit a game-tying solo home run in the ninth inning and later made a game-saving defensive play, propelling the Dodgers to an 11-inning victory. For Savicki, such clutch moments under extreme pressure epitomise leadership in action.
Shifting his critique to the Yankees' front office, Savicki questioned their strategy in building a championship-calibre team around their captain. He pointedly asked why the franchise has not secured stars like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman. "What are they doing?" he questioned, asserting that the Yankees are wasting Aaron Judge's peak years. He also criticised the handling of top prospect Spencer Jones, suggesting the young outfielder has earned a real chance in the majors.
The Stakes for Judge and the Yankees' Legacy
"They're called the Evil Empire for a reason," Savicki remarked, adding that many are enjoying the perceived decline of the storied franchise. However, he clarified his stance by saying, "I like baseball, and I want to see Aaron Judge get what he deserves." This debate carries significant weight because, despite winning major personal awards and shattering records, Judge has only reached the World Series once in his career. That appearance came in 2024, when the Yankees fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
The timing of this leadership discussion is particularly poignant. With Judge expected to lead Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, his capacity to inspire and galvanise a team of fellow superstars is under an even brighter spotlight. The conversation initiated by Jake Savicki goes beyond a single podcast episode, touching on the very essence of what defines a leader in modern sports and whether a quiet superstar can truly fill that role.
