Despite protests from fans who call into local sports talk radio programs, the New York Yankees confirmed on Thursday that they had signed manager Aaron Boone to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season.

The 32-year-old is surely itching to officially put that devastating moment behind him. The best way to do that is by doing what he does best: tearing the cover off the baseball. Well, fans will have to wait a bit longer before seeing Judge compete in a game.

But the crowd at Steinbrenner Field will not see the reigning AL MVP in Friday’s opener and instead will have to wait an extra week to watch him in action this spring, as manager Aaron Boone has circled March 1 as Judge’s likely spring debut.

Aaron Judge prefers hitting third and he won the AL MVP batting in that spot last season, but manager Aaron Boone is leaning on moving the Yankees captain into the No. 2 hole. AP

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge addresses the controversy surrounding Juan Soto’s decision to join the New York Mets, making it clear he is not to blame. Juan Soto’s recent decision to join the New York Mets,

Aaron Judge came in for plenty of criticism when former teammate Juan Soto left the New York Yankees for the New York Mets this offseason, and he's finally pushing back.

The New York Yankees franchise slugger addresses his relationship with Juan Soto after he left for the rival New York Mets.