Aaron Judge recently had a lighthearted yet revealing moment during a video interview, where his memory was tested about the Yankees’ lineup from his debut season. While the 32-year-old managed to recall all the names eventually, there was a humorous lapse when it came to identifying the designated hitter. With some prompting from the interviewer, Judge remembered it was Gary Sánchez, but not before expressing surprise at his forgetfulness. He even joked, “How could I forget Gary?” and humorously requested, “Don’t show him this.”
The exchange brought back memories of the strong connection between Judge and Sánchez. Their careers with the Yankees began around the same time, and they played pivotal roles in the team’s transitional phase. Back in 2016, the Yankees were rebuilding, having parted ways with Alex Rodriguez. Amidst this change, Sánchez and Judge emerged as promising young stars. Sánchez, who debuted in 2015, had already started to make his mark, while Judge burst onto the scene with a home run in his first major league at-bat. Together, they created excitement, notably hitting back-to-back home runs during a series against Tampa Bay in August 2016.
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While Judge has gone on to become a franchise cornerstone, including winning the 2022 AL MVP award, Sánchez’s career took a different trajectory. Initially, the Yankees stuck with Sánchez, hoping his powerful hitting would compensate for his defensive challenges. However, his struggles at the plate and behind it grew increasingly apparent. By the end of his tenure with New York, Sánchez’s performance had declined significantly, with a batting average of just .187 and an OPS of .698.
In 2022, the Yankees traded Sánchez to the Minnesota Twins, marking a fresh start for both the player and the team. Despite the change, Sánchez’s struggles persisted, finishing the season with a .205 average over 128 games. This year, Sánchez signed with the San Francisco Giants, but his stint was brief. After being released in May, he signed a minor-league deal with the Mets, only to be designated for assignment after three games. His struggles continued, leading to his release. Sánchez eventually found a new opportunity with the San Diego Padres, where he hopes to revitalize his career.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge remains a dominant figure for the Yankees, continuing to break records and deliver standout performances. The brief memory lapse about Sánchez serves as a reminder of their shared history and the different paths their careers have taken. For fans and observers, it’s a moment that combines humor with nostalgia, reflecting on the evolution of two players who once represented the future of the Yankees.