Aaron Judge 'Surprised' Red Sox's Dobbins Said He'd Retire Before Joining Yankees

Aaron Judge reacted to comments made by Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins regarding potentially retiring before ever becoming a member of the New York Yankees.

“I’ve only heard Ken Griffey say that, so I was a little surprised," Judge said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

He revealed that the comments were on his mind while hitting a home run off Dobbins in the first inning of New York's 11-7 defeat against Boston on Sunday.

Dobbins previously told reporters that "if the Yankees were the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire."

The rookie right-hander allowed four hits and three earned runs in five innings of work on Sunday.

As for Judge, he finished 3-for-4 with a pair of homers.

New York racked up seven runs to go along with 10 hits, but couldn't figure out how to slow down Boston's offense. Yankees starter Carlos Rodón allowed five earned runs, tied for the most he's given up in a game this season.

Judge referenced comments that Hall of Fame centerfielder Ken Griffey Jr. made when he was a member of the Seattle Mariners in 1995, claiming that he'd retire before joining the Bronx Bombers.

Dobbins leaned into the rivalry between Boston and New York heading into his first career start in the series and explained that his disdain for the Yankees came from his father, a Red Sox fan.

The 25-year-old owns a 3-1 record to go along with a 4.20 ERA and 1.28 WHIP to open the 2025 season.

Meanwhile, Judge has remained one of the deadliest hitters in the majors. In 64 games to begin the year, he's racked up 23 home runs, 17 doubles and 55 RBIs while posting a .396/.493/.771 slash line.