A Historic Season for Aaron Judge and Juan Soto
The 2022 Major League Baseball season has been a showcase of exceptional individual performances, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto emerging as standout stars. Judge, in particular, has captivated the baseball world by setting the American League single-season home run record with 62 home runs, eclipsing a mark that has long been a benchmark of hitting prowess.
This season, Judge continues his sensational form, already amassing 51 home runs as he marches towards an estimated total of 63 by season's end. His extraordinary power at the plate and consistent production make him a formidable presence in the Yankees' lineup. Judge's excellence extends beyond his home run tally, with his current Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at an impressive 9.4. Projections indicate that Judge’s WAR could climb to 11.5, underscoring his significant impact on the game.
To put these numbers into perspective, Barry Bonds, one of the greatest players in baseball history, recorded a WAR of 11.7 during his stellar 2002 campaign. If Judge continues on his current trajectory, he will join the ranks of players who have delivered some of the most remarkable individual seasons in modern baseball history.
Juan Soto’s Standout Season
Juan Soto is another name that commands attention this season. As a pending free agent, Soto has made a powerful case for himself with his performance. With 37 home runs, he is tied for fourth place in the league, and projections suggest he could end the season with 45 home runs. Soto’s 7.5 WAR places him fourth in MLB, indicating his substantial contribution to his team. By season’s end, Soto’s WAR is expected to reach 9.2, further solidifying his status as an elite player.
The Dynamic Duo’s Combined Power
Collectively, Judge and Soto are on pace to hit an astonishing 108 home runs this season. This feat would be a rare and remarkable achievement in MLB history, only matched by five previous pairs of teammates. Such a powerful duo evokes memories of some of baseball’s most legendary tandems.
The Yankees are not strangers to historic milestones. The 1961 Yankees remain the only team to have two players surpass 50 home runs in the same season. The possibility of Judge and Soto replicating such a feat adds an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia for fans of the storied franchise.
Interestingly, the Yankees haven't had two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 since the iconic 1927 squad. That team, considered one of the greatest in baseball history, featured the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—two of the most legendary figures in the sport. Judge and Soto could cement their places in Yankees lore by joining such elite company.
The 2022 season has been a tour de force for Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, each crafting a narrative of dominance and excellence. Their staggering stats not only highlight their individual talents but also their potential to make history together. For baseball enthusiasts, tracking their progress provides a thrilling subplot to an already captivating season.