Sportscaster vouches for All-Star free agent as Aaron Judge's lineup protection, skeptical on Ben Rice solution

A seven-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP and five-time Silver Slugger award winner, Aaron Judge is arguably the best hitter in the big leagues at the moment.

In order to maximize his influence on games and ensure opposing teams don't effectively pitch around him every time he walks up to bat, it is important for the Yankees to have another dangerous hitter batting right after Judge. At the momet, Ben Rice is the player in that slot.

On Wednesday, MLB Network Radio's Dani Wexelman expressed her skepticism towards this approach, claiming the Bronx Bombers ought to go after free agent Cody Bellinger for that role instead.

"Cody Bellinger is the obvious choice (for the Yankees) because he was just there. He performed really well in Yankee Stadium. He's a really nice fit with the team. He's an even better fit behind Aaron Judge, to protect him. He gives Aaron Boone so many options. A guy who is above average on the infield and in the outfield, it is an incredible resource. A guy who can be versatile in that way, I love that. "Right now, it's Ben Rice slotted in behind Aaron Judge. I like Ben Rice. I don't love him as the pemanet solution at first base right now. He needs a little bit more work there. And I don't know if he's the offense and he's the threat that is the proper protection behind Aaron Judge. If you have the option of signing someone of Cody Bellinger's caliber, that's the (perfect) solution right there."

---

"Go nuts" - analyst urges Yankees to take advantage of Aaron Judge's prime

Though they have a hitter like Aaron Judge on their roster, the New York Yankees' inaction in the market makes it seem like they do not fully intend to make best use of his prime years.

On Dec. 24, analyst and content creator Jimmy O'Brien, better known online as Jomboy, posted a video to X where he called the organization out, urging them to "go nuts."

"If Judge gets hurt, this team stinks. what happened to, like, you were trying to bring in Soto? Like, go get someone to bat with Judge," Jomboy said. "We can't continue to have it be half a year of Goldy, half a year of Carpenter, half a year of Rizzo, and these are who bat with Judge. "You had one full year of Soto, that was awesome. Go Nuts and be irresponsible. If there's ever been a time to be irresponsible, and like, do the old-school way and then reel it back in three years if you need to."

Division Series - Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees - Game Four - Source: Getty

Despite winning pretty much every individual honor there is to win, Aaron Judge is still chasing his first championship with the Yankees.

Edited by Raghav Mehta