Aaron Judge admitted feeling anxious during the Yankees' quiet offseason: We need to sign the right players.

If the early part of the New York Yankees' offseason felt like watching paint dry, captain Aaron Judge certainly felt the same.

As month after month passed and other teams in the AL East made headline-grabbing moves, Judge confessed he voiced his frustration directly to management, hoping Bronx would also make some market-shaking decisions.

“Those first weeks were really tough,” Judge said. “I kept thinking, man, we’re the New York Yankees. Let’s get moving and sign the right guys to complete the puzzle that can get this done.”

The Yankees’ most significant move all winter came in January, when they re-signed outfielder Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million deal.

This was one of the moves Judge advocated for. He also mentioned the returns of Trent Grisham and Paul Goldschmidt, expressing confidence that the team’s roster is well built on last year’s 94-win foundation.

“For a while, we were just tinkering around with small moves. The start was tough,” he said. “But once Bellinger was confirmed back, Grisham can patrol center field for another year, and Goldschmidt is back… I think we’re in a good spot now.”

Although the phrase “returning with mostly the same squad” might carry some negative connotations, Judge welcomes going after the AL East title again with a largely familiar lineup.

“I like it,” Judge said. “People might have their opinions because we didn’t make it to the end last year and got knocked out in the division series. But we have the chance to bring back many core players who can change the game… I’m optimistic about our chances.”

Judge’s offseason thoughts went beyond just being a player. He began winter training earlier than usual to prepare for the World Baseball Classic. In April last year, he was named captain of Team USA by head coach Mark DeRosa.

“I’ve never had the chance to represent the U.S. before,” Judge said. “Wearing that flag on my chest will be incredibly powerful.”

He also feels he has put his concerns about his pitching elbow behind him. Last July, he suffered a right flexor strain that limited him late in the season. Judge plans to play right field throughout the Classic and has already thrown to bases multiple times during spring training, saying his elbow feels “fantastic.”

“That was the hardest part last year,” he said. “Pitchers were giving their all, teammates were working hard on defense, but when the ball came to me, I couldn’t make the throw.”

It can be said that Judge just completed the most well-rounded offensive season of his career. He posted a slash line of .331/.457/.688, leading the entire league in all three categories. In 152 games, he hit 53 home runs, drove in 114 runs, and earned his third American League MVP award.

“It’s been a pleasure to witness his achievements on the field over the years,” said manager Aaron Boone. “Watching him grow as a player, a person, a leader, a captain, and a father is equally rewarding. Everyone who steps into that locker room genuinely respects him, and that feeling is very real.”

Although Judge takes pride in being the tallest batting champion in MLB history, he reiterated today his long-held stance: he would trade those personal honors for a parade in the Canyon of Heroes.

“We’ll never be satisfied until we reach the ultimate goal,” Judge said. “No matter the awards, MVP or All-Star selections, none of that matters. What matters is bringing New York back to the top and restoring this team to where it belongs — as the best in baseball.”

“I have my job to do. The team pays me not just to play, but to win.”