Yankees won’t settle for fourth place, insider says they’re going for it

Yankees won’t settle for fourth place, insider says they’re going for it originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

If you’re wondering whether the New York Yankees are still serious about contending in 2025, a Yankees insider has a clear, no-nonsense answer during a recent Q&A:

“They’re absolutely going for it. Imagine Judge giving you this kind of season, and then you tell him, sorry, we’re gonna settle for fourth place?” The Athetic’s Brendan Kuty said.

That sentiment is bound to land well with fans who’ve been watching Aaron Judge carry the offense through one of the team’s most frustrating stretches in recent memory. With injuries mounting, inconsistency everywhere but right field, and a division lead long gone, the Yankees suddenly look like a team that needs a lifeline.

And if Kuty’s right, help may be on the way.

It should be. This isn’t a breakout season for Judge; the Yankees have known they have a generational talent for a few years now.

Judge isn’t just having a good year; he’s having another MVP-level year. You don’t waste that kind of production, especially in New York.

This window isn’t going to stay open forever.

Kuty also pointed to a name he believes the Yankees have to be pushing for at the deadline: Eugenio Suarez.

The Diamondbacks veteran could give New York the steady, experienced third baseman they’ve lacked all season. He’s hit 28 homers this season and defensively, he’s a clear upgrade over what the Yankees are getting right now.

So now, Yankees fans can take a deep breath and start speculating about what the moves will

Of course, “going for it” can mean a lot of things. It might be a controllable starter. It might be a rental bat. It might be two solid upgrades rather than one headliner. But Kuty’s point holds either way: you don’t punt a season with Judge doing what he’s doing.

The Yankees have about three weeks to prove they’re serious. That starts with Brian Cashman finding a way to match the standard Judge is setting. Because if the captain is showing up every night like this, now the front office better do the same.

Related: Aaron Judge Sends Message to Yankees Front Office Ahead of Trade Deadline

Related: Yankees GM On The Clock After Midseason Report Card

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.