Aaron Judge agrees with Hal Steinbrenner's assessment of Yankees' struggles

The New York Yankees are one of the most inconsistent teams in Major League Baseball this season. 

As the team fights to stay afloat in the AL East, Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner made it clear that the team is struggling because players are underperforming. Not because of manager Aaron Boone or general manager Brian Cashman. 

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said before Saturday night's Subway Series opener at Yankee Stadium that the players heard Steinbrenner's comments loud and clear. 

"It's a big impact, because that's ultimately what it comes down to," Judge said, according to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News (h/t Yahoo Sports). "No matter what anybody says it's not a coach, it's not a front office, it's on the players. We're the ones out there on the field. We're the ones out there competing. I know the front office and other guys have their hands in it, putting players on the field, but ultimately it comes down to the work and the results you get on the field."

Judge added that he called a players-only meeting before Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels, which the Yankees won. However, his speech didn't go a long way as the Bronx Bombers' inconsistency continued Wednesday as they blew a lead to the Halos in the ninth inning.

The Yankees are fourth in the AL East with a 41-39 record, 9.5 games back of their division-leading rival Boston Red Sox. If the team fails to improve before this month's trade deadline, it could mean some drastic changes. 

Steinbrenner said earlier this week he's not opposed to exceeding MLB's luxury-tax threshold to help his club, which means he could be interested in adding a big-name player. 

New York currently has the second-highest payroll in baseball at $201 million.

While the Yankees could look to add, they could also sell if things don't improve. MLB insider Mark Feinsand mentioned Corey Kluber, Brett Gardner, Luke Voit and Miguel Andujar as potential trade candidates if the Yankees can't stay afloat.