MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 08: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees during batting practice before game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 08, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
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When the New York Yankees opened up the Major League Baseball season with a lopsided win over the San Francisco Giants, it seemed as if their batting order could carry the team to plenty of wins.
And, indeed, the Yankees climbed to the top of the American League standings thanks to a strong start from star sluggers Ben Rice and Aaron Judge.
New York Yankees Infield Struggles Push Series Losses
But the team has hit a bit of a rough patch, dropping two straight series as it headed into a highly anticipated Subway Series against the New York Mets. And among its problems has been a shaky infield.
“And now back to ‘As The Infield Turns,’ with slumping Jazz Chisholm Jr. benched Tuesday, Jose Caballero placed on the injured list and Anthony Volpe back from beyond,” Pete Caldera wrote for NorthJersey.com.
Despite aspirations for a 50-50 season, Chisholm has just four home runs and 12 stolen bases so far, while Volpe was only promoted from the minors because Caballero was sidelined. Meanwhile, third baseman Ryan McMahon and catcher Austin Wells each have just three homers so far.
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge Sends Milwaukee Brewers, Brice Turang Message
As Judge’s team struggles through its recent series and his infield teammates look for more power at the plate, the franchise slugger praised Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, who is slashing .297/.418/.503 with six home runs.
“He’s one of my favorite players to watch in the game right now,” Judge said of Turang, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “He’s one of a kind, man. I wish we had him on this team.”
Though Judge, the Yankees’ captain, is sure to praise any one of the team’s current infielders, he probably sees Turang as a significant upgrade for that part of the roster. Though the Brewers star has made the vast majority of his big-league starts at the keystone, he has also played some shortstop.
Unfortunately for Judge, though, the possibility of acquiring Turang seems like a longshot. He is earning just $4.15 million this year with three more seasons of arbitration eligibility ahead and seems likely to keep improving.
“Judge and Turang were teammates for three weeks during the World Baseball Classic, where Turang stole the show, hitting .364 with his eight hits, four doubles, five RBIs and a .931 OPS in the six games,” Nightengale added. “Turang left his USA teammates gushing about his skills, saying they knew he was talented, but hadn’t fully fathomed his all-around greatness.”
But the Brewers are never shy about flipping a pending free agent for some prospects in return, so Turang might be worth keeping an eye on down the line.