As Spring Training begins, several players have shared their approaches for the 2026 season during early media sessions, offering insight into their goals and preparation methods. Among them, stars from both New York baseball teams revealed how they intend to adapt and improve in the months ahead, highlighting emerging themes like base stealing and injury management.
Aaron Judge Focuses on Improving Baserunning Skills for 2026
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, a three-time MVP known for his power hitting, plans to enhance his baserunning abilities in 2026. While Judge’s size and elite production have long distinguished him, he aims to develop his base stealing and movement on the base paths after noticing changes in the game.
Definitely baserunning’s on my mind this year a lot,
Judge remarked.
I saw a lot of guys around the league with 40, 30 bases that you don’t usually normally expect to be running that much.
Judge acknowledged that although his sprint speed ranks relatively well for his 6-foot-7 frame—averaging 27.1 feet per second and standing in the 42nd percentile of position players—his actual stolen base totals have been modest. Last season, he swiped only 12 bases, with a career-high of 16 stolen bases during his record-breaking 2022 campaign.
Judge also highlighted his hopes for the Yankees to increase their stolen base numbers, aiming to capitalize on changes such as pickoff rules and the pitch clock.
Especially with how the game’s changed with the pickoffs and the pitch clock, I think that’s one way we can utilize, or at least I can utilize some of my skills a little bit more, getting into scoring position,
Judge explained. He also said,
With the lineup we have, this was probably the best offense in all of baseball last year. If I can find a way to get myself in scoring position, if they’re going to walk me or do something, then some good things are going to happen.
The Yankees’ focus on speed is evident, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. leading the team with 31 steals last season, followed by Jasson Dominguez with 23. The club further emphasized baserunning by acquiring speedster Jose Caballero at the trade deadline, who recorded 15 stolen bases in just 40 games. Caballero, along with Chisholm, is expected to be instrumental in the team’s efforts this year.
Mets Implement Steady Recovery Plan for Luis Robert Jr During Spring Training
Outfielder Luis Robert Jr., currently with the New York Mets, is committed to the team’s measured Spring Training strategy designed to protect his health and optimize performance. Having endured repeated lower-body injuries in recent years, including a hip flexor strain in 2024 and multiple hamstring issues prior to that, Robert’s availability has often been limited.
In 2023, Robert enjoyed his first injury-free season in six years, posting a solid .264 batting average along with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and an OPS of .857. After being traded from the Chicago White Sox, the Mets recognized his injury history and emphasized cautious progression for him this spring.
During a Tuesday media session, Robert expressed his confidence in the Mets’ step-by-step approach.
Once the offseason started, the focus was to strengthen where I had the injuries I’ve dealt with,
Robert said through his interpreter Alan Suriel.
That’s their plan. I know that’s the type of process they have, and I trust in them because they want what’s best for me.
Robert is among several Mets players, including Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez, who will not participate in on-field activities during the first week of Spring Training. The Mets are also managing an injury to Francisco Lindor, who is recovering from recent hamate surgery.
Spring Training Strategies Reflect New Priorities for New York Teams
The different yet focused Spring Training plans for Luis Robert Jr. and Aaron Judge reveal the shifting priorities among New York’s baseball franchises as they prepare for the 2026 season. The Yankees appear intent on expanding their baserunning threat to complement an already formidable offense, while the Mets are concentrating on injury prevention to ensure their key players remain available and effective throughout the year.
For Robert, the conservative ramp-up aims to prolong his career and maximize his impact when fully healthy. Judge’s increased emphasis on baserunning could provide the Yankees with new tactical advantages, potentially increasing run production in critical situations.
As Spring Training progresses, monitoring how these plans unfold will offer insights into each team’s readiness and strategic direction heading into a highly competitive regular season.
Aaron Judge was asked if there's something new he's working on in his game:
"Definitely baserunning's on my mind this year a lot. I saw a lot of guys around the league with 40, 30 bases that you don't usually normally expect to be running that much.
Especially with how the… pic.twitter.com/bj0217bZo3
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 16, 2026
Luis Robert Jr. on the Mets’ plan to slow-play his progression this spring:
“That’s their plan. I know that’s the type of process they have and I trust in them because they want what’s best for me.”
Via @MaxTGoodman pic.twitter.com/tr3srMYMij
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) February 17, 2026
