Aaron Judge is taking care of business this offseason following the Yankees’ early exit from the 2023 campaign.
The 31-year-old right fielder, who was vocal about being involved in internal talks after New York was eliminated from playoff contention last month, is working through “a lot of steps” in order to turn things around this offseason.
“It’s been going good,” Judge told The Post while with Make-A-Wish and Fanatics for their partnership announcement Tuesday in New York. “It’s definitely been a busy offseason. I think a lot of it is about taking care of a couple steps.
“There are a lot of steps I gotta take and I think just having those conversations and getting everything rolling with this extra month we get off in October — I’m looking forward to it.
“I think it’s going to be a great season next year, and it’s going to be a great offseason for us. It’s tough not playing in October, but I think this time will help us get ready for the season.”
After the Yankees’ were bounced out of postseason contention, Judge was stern in his belief that things need to change in The Bronx.
Things are apparently moving in the right direction.
Judge took time out of his preparation for next season to celebrate a first-of-its kind partnership between Make-A-Wish and Fanatics, during which the digital sports platform now becomes the wish-granting organization’s “Official Sports Partner.”
The Yankees slugger, along with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum fulfilled the wishes of nine children with critical illnesses at a launch event, which took place at Barclays Center in New York City.
wish-granting event at Barclays Center with Make-A-Wish and Fanatics on Oct. 24.
Judge likely will return to Barclays Center to “catch a couple Nets games” as the 2023 NBA season begins on Oct. 24.
“Ninety-nine percent of my offseason is preparing for the next season,” he said. “[I’ll be] spending some family time and just kinda resetting so my body and mind are ready for the next season.
“I’m not doing too much… A short vacation, a short one,” Judge said, laughing.
In his first season as Yankees captain, Judge is not playing in October.
The Yankees were eliminated from AL wild-card contention when they fell to the Diamondbacks, 7-1, in The Bronx on Sept. 22.
It marked the first time since 2016 that the MLB postseason did not include the Yankees, who finished 82-80 — the club’s worst season since 1992.
But Judge’s involvement with Make-A-Wish and Fanatics put things into perspective.
“Just seeing the smiles on their faces and the excitement,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s a chance to get away from things and have a really special moment with the kids and their families. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Judge explained what he would tell his wife, Samantha Bracksieck after such an impactful day alongside Brady and Tatum — all of whom were eager to participate after getting the call from Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin.
“I think the biggest thing would be just seeing the strength in these kids — that’s what I’ll tell my wife,” Judge said. “I think I’m a big strong guy who plays a sport, getting on the field everyday.
“But these kids that are fighting and it doesn’t matter… they’re showing up with a smile. They’re still working hard. For me, that’s a true warrior. That’s a true hero right there.”
Rubin’s close relationships with superstar athletes has helped Fanatics flourish in business, charity and beyond.
“Tommy, Jayson and Aaron were all excited to be here today,” he told The Post, adding that he called them personally to participate in the event, which was personal for Rubin after he granted his own wish to a child. “We’re so inspired by this, and this will be one of the funnest days I have this year. It really is a win-win partnership.”
Leslie Motter, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO, knows just how special the event was.
“Every single wish is a unique experience and every kid has an opportunity to reclaim a piece of their childhood when they’re facing something horrific,” she said. “They can dream and wish for anything, and with Fanatics, they’re helping us supersize everything going forward and it’s going to be a game-changer.”
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