Aaron Judge: Leading the Charge for the Yankees
In a season brimming with remarkable performances and record-chasing statistics, one name consistently stands out: Aaron Judge. The New York Yankees captain has been the heart and soul of the team, putting up numbers that are not just impressive but historic.
As of August 26, Judge is boasting an extraordinary .333/.465/.736 line, along with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These figures lead the league in several key categories, including home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). With 31 games remaining in the season, all eyes are on Judge to see how high he can elevate his already staggering numbers.
Judge's current pace has him projected to achieve an astounding 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases this season. To put this into perspective, only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and just 29 have reached 400 total bases. The feat of achieving both in a single season has been accomplished only 13 times in the history of the sport. If Judge reaches these milestones, it will be yet another testament to his greatness.
Recently, Judge has been on an extraordinary hot streak, homering seven times in his last six games and an eye-popping 19 times in his last 36 games. This scorching run has him on pace for 63 home runs this season, a number that would surpass his career-high of 62 home runs set just last year in 2022. His performance this season is a follow-up to his rookie year in 2017, when he hit 52 home runs, setting the stage for what has become a legendary career.
Such achievements are not without challenges, and Judge has faced his fair share. Early in the season, his batting line was a grim .174/.308/.337 by April 23. However, in the 106 games following that date, Judge has posted an OPS of 1.328, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to adjust and excel. Despite striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances—slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%—Judge's overall contributions to the game have more than compensated for this minor setback. Comparatively, his strikeout rates were higher in previous years, standing at 30.7% in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022.
Judge's on-base prowess extends beyond just his home runs. In plate appearances that don't culminate in home runs, he still manages a .250 batting average and a remarkable .413 on-base percentage, underscoring his well-rounded offensive capabilities.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees' manager, captured the sentiment around Judge's season succinctly: “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” Such high praise from a respected figure in the sport reflects Judge's standing as one of the best, if not the best, player in the game this season.
Throughout history, only two right-handers—Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby—have boasted two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200. Judge, who recorded a 210 OPS+ in 2022, is making a strong case to join this elite group, challenging the records set by legendary players. Hornsby's 1924 season, with a 222 OPS+, is often cited as one of the greatest hitting seasons ever, and Judge's performance this year puts him in similar conversations.
Moreover, Judge has had the platoon advantage in only 26% of his plate appearances, making his feats even more commendable given that he has often faced unfavorable pitching matchups. His ability to consistently perform irrespective of the opponent speaks volumes about his skill and mental fortitude.
Judge himself remains grounded and focused, attributing his success to the basics of the game. “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,” he remarked.
As the season progresses, Aaron Judge continues to be a beacon of excellence and an inspiration for teammates and fans alike. With each game, he is not just leading the Yankees but crafting a season for the ages, one that will be remembered in the annals of baseball history. Whether he reaches the projected milestones or sets new records, one thing is certain: we are indeed witnessing greatness embodied in Aaron Judge.