Aaron Judge’s Historic Season Continues to Rewrite Records
As he leads the New York Yankees into the final stretch of the season, Aaron Judge is putting together a campaign for the ages. A force to be reckoned with, Judge’s consistent excellence at the plate has propelled him to the forefront of several key statistical categories, making him arguably the most dominant player in baseball today.
As of August 26, Judge has posted a remarkable .333/.465/.736 line with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. He leads the league not only in home runs and RBIs but also in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. With 31 games remaining in the season, projections suggest Judge will achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, further solidifying his already impressive season.
Just seven players in MLB history have recorded 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases in a single season. Judge is on the cusp of joining this exclusive club, a feat accomplished only 13 times before. This level of production speaks volumes about his ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways.
Manager Aaron Boone captured the essence of Judge’s dominance best: “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.”
Judge’s recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. With seven home runs in his last six games and 19 in his last 36, he is on pace for 63 home runs this season. This would surpass his career-high 62 home runs set in 2022 and his explosive rookie season in 2017, where he hit 52.
Not just a power hitter, Judge has demonstrated a refined approach at the plate. In at-bats that don’t result in home runs, he maintains a .250 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage. This consistency has been a hallmark of his season, especially considering his early struggles. By April 23, his batting line was a dismal .174/.308/.337. However, in the 106 games since, Judge has turned it around with an OPS of 1.328, indicative of his resilience and adaptability.
Strikeouts have been a part of Judge’s game, but he has made significant strides in this area as well. His strikeout rate this season sits at 23.4%, a notable improvement from his 30.7% rate in 2017 and the 25.1% rate in 2022. This places him just above the MLB average strikeout rate of 22.4%, showing his growth as a hitter.
Even when compared to historical greats, Judge’s season stands out. His OPS+ of 210 in 2022 placed him in elite company with Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby, the only right-handers to boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. This season, his OPS+ is shaping up to be similarly impressive, drawing comparisons to legends of the game.
Judge’s approach to the game reflects his humble yet determined nature. “I got to this point trying to be a good hitter and a good teammate, so that’s what I’m going to try to do. I feel like if I can do that, we can look up at the end of the year, and I think the numbers will be where they’re supposed to be,” Judge said. His focus on being a well-rounded player and a leader both on and off the field underscores his value to the Yankees.
As the season winds down, all eyes will remain on Judge as he chases history. With his talent and tireless work ethic, there’s no limit to what he might achieve. The Yankees’ captain is not just leading his team; he’s setting the standard for excellence in Major League Baseball.