The New York Yankees will enter the 2026 postseason as the American League’s top Wild Card. While many have debated whether or not the team will be able to make a legitimate World Series run, the club may get a boost that few could have predicted.

It was reported Wednesday afternoon that three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge expects to play once the tournament begins. The captain doubled down later in the day and made it clear he's excited to experience fall baseball in the Bronx again.

“The Bronx is a magical place in October,” Judge told reporters after the Yankees' 9-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Judge missed just over three months due to a stress fracture in his right rib, and then returned earlier this month before going down with a calf strain that’s landed him on the 10-day injured list.

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Across 66 games this season, the California native slugged 18 home runs, hit .241, and posted an .871 OPS. The veteran was clearly not himself when he initially returned, but slowly started to find his footing.

Regardless of manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees’ expectations for their first round of the postseason, Judge has been adamant in his desire to be a key contributor towards a long run that can result in the franchise’s 28th title.

“My goal is to come back as soon as I can,” Judge said. “That's what we're doing right now. If [Boone] says I'm not gonna be ready, I've got no control over that. I've got control over what I can do to try to get back.”

Potentially getting the 34-year-old back in the lineup could be a game-changer for the Yankees. It remains to be seen if Judge will compete as soon as the Wild Card round, but it is evident that New York could be in for a surprising turn of events.