May 9, 2025 | New York City — In a moment of recognition that transcends the boundaries of sport, TIME Magazine has officially named New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as one of its “Next Generation Leaders” for 2025. The prestigious honor celebrates Judge not only for his excellence on the field but also for his leadership, integrity, and impact on the broader American sports culture.

Judge, the Yankees’ captain and face of the franchise, has long been admired for his towering home runs, clutch performances, and calm presence under pressure. But it’s his off-field influence — mentoring young athletes, advocating for clean sportsmanship, and using his platform to promote youth development — that earned him a spot on TIME’s elite list.

“Aaron Judge represents the best of what sports can inspire — discipline, resilience, and a commitment to the next generation,” TIME editor-in-chief said in the announcement. “His influence reaches far beyond Yankee Stadium.”

This recognition places Judge among global trailblazers across a variety of sectors — including science, politics, the arts, and social activism — who are shaping the future through innovation and purpose. For Judge, it’s a full-circle moment: from a small-town kid in Linden, California, to one of the most recognizable figures in sports, now joining a league of world changers.

Over the past year, Judge has launched new youth baseball academies, participated in national campaigns promoting physical fitness, and remained a consistent voice for unity in one of America’s most beloved but divided institutions — Major League Baseball.

“I’m honored and humbled,” Judge said in a statement. “This isn’t just about me — it’s about everyone who’s ever believed in doing things the right way, lifting others up, and leaving the game better than we found it.”

As the 2025 MLB season continues, Judge remains a central figure not just in the Yankees’ championship hopes, but in the national conversation about what leadership through sports truly looks like.