Aaron Judge continues to carve out an impressive legacy with the New York Yankees. As the current captain, Judge has showcased a phenomenal performance this season, leading the league in multiple categories. With 31 games remaining, his .333/.465/.736 line, 51 home runs, and 122 RBIs set him apart as an MVP frontrunner.
Judge's offensive prowess is evident in his league-leading figures in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). These statistics underscore his dominance in Major League Baseball. Projected to finish the season with 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, Judge stands on the brink of joining an elite group of players. Only 15 have recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and a mere 29 have reached 400 total bases. Accomplishing both feats in a single season has been achieved just 13 times.
Hot Streak and Historical Context
Judge's recent surge at the plate is remarkable. Over the last six games, he has homered seven times, and in his last 36 games, he has gone deep 19 times. This torrid pace places him on track for 63 home runs by season’s end, potentially surpassing his own record of 62 home runs set in 2022. His rookie season in 2017 saw him hit 52 home runs, exemplifying his consistent power-hitting ability.
A testament to Judge’s evolution as a hitter is his significant improvement in strikeout rates. From a 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 to 25.1% in 2022, Judge has further reduced it to 23.4% this season, hovering just above the MLB average of 22.4%. This decrease highlights his refined approach at the plate, making him an even more formidable offensive threat.
Comparisons to Legends
When discussing historical comparisons, Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season with a 222 OPS+ inevitably comes up. Judge's 210 OPS+ in 2022 situates him among the greats, with only Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby being the right-handers to boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. This places Judge in a rarefied air, solidifying his status as one of the top hitters of all time.
Consistency Amidst Adversity
Judge’s season has not been without struggles. By April 23, his batting line was a concerning .174/.308/.337. Despite this slow start, Judge has rebounded spectacularly, posting an OPS of 1.328 in the 106 games since April 23. In at-bats that don’t culminate in home runs, Judge maintains a solid .250 batting average and a robust .413 on-base percentage, illustrating his well-rounded offensive contributions.
Manager Aaron Boone aptly captured the sentiment of many when he said, “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 own humility and team-first attitude shine through in his approach to 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,” Judge said. “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.”
Power and Precision
Judge's ability to perform consistently while facing left-handed pitchers only 26% of the time this season adds another layer of complexity to his achievements. His versatility and adaptability against predominantly right-handed pitching further highlight his skill and preparation.
As the Yankees captain, Aaron Judge's leadership and performance have propelled the team and captivated baseball fans worldwide. With each game, he further cements his legacy as one of the game's historic greats, making every at-bat a must-watch event. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Judge to see if he can continue his record-setting pace and lead the Yankees to new heights.