Yankees GM: Aaron Judge could miss rest of 2026 season

The New York Yankees are facing uncertainty regarding the return of star outfielder Aaron Judge, who has been out since May 31 with a stress fracture in his right rib. General Manager Brian Cashman admitted that while the team remains optimistic about Judge's return this season, he cannot rule out the possibility of the slugger missing the rest of 2026.

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Is it possible? It's always possible that things don't go as you want, but currently we remain very optimistic that he will return. But there are also challenges with all of that, so I can't rule anything out.

Judge, a three-time American League MVP, has not yet received clearance to resume activities. After evaluations during the All-Star break, Judge himself indicated some improvement but stated his rib was not fully healed. The recovery process has been slow, with the team hopeful for his return during the regular season.

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There is some improvement, but it is not completely healed.

Cashman expressed a "pretty high probability and optimism" for Judge's return within the current campaign, but cautioned that it remains a "moving target." Before his injury, Judge had hit 17 home runs. His absence, coupled with those of Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton, has been felt by the Yankees, who have a .500 record (27-27) without him. They currently hold an American League wildcard spot, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 3.5 games.

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There is a pretty high probability and optimism that he will fit into that timeframe to return and join us.