Aaron Judge is a force of nature in Major League Baseball, a once-in-a-generation talent who continues to defy expectations and set records. As the captain of the New York Yankees, Judge has not only taken on a leadership role but has also delivered an astonishing performance on the field.
As of August 26, Judge is achieving an impressive .333/.465/.736 line with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These statistics are not merely numbers; they signify a dominant presence at the plate. Judge leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
With 31 games remaining in the season, the question on everyone's mind is just how many more records Judge can shatter. He's on pace for 63 home runs this season, a feat that would eclipse his previous best of 62 home runs in the 2022 season. In his rookie season in 2017, Judge hit 52 home runs, setting the stage for what has already been a remarkable career.
A Season for the Ages
Judge's recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has homered seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games. This hot streak has propelled him toward some elite company in MLB history. Only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and only 29 have reached 400 total bases. Achieving both 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases in a single season has been accomplished 13 times, and Judge is projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases this season.
The journey to these milestones has not been without its challenges. By April 23, Judge's batting line was a modest .174/.308/.337. Since then, his performance has skyrocketed, with an OPS of 1.328 in the 106 games following that date. His turnaround is a testament to his resilience and skill.
A Complex Hitter
More than just a slugger, Judge has shown a well-rounded approach at the plate. In at-bats that don't culminate in home runs, he has a .250 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage. His ability to get on base and drive in runs in various ways makes him a crucial asset to the Yankees.
One area where Judge has shown significant improvement is in his strikeout rate. While the MLB average strikeout rate is 22.4%, Judge is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances this season, a marked improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022.
Judge's impact on the game isn't just numbers and statistics. His manager, Aaron Boone, summed it up perfectly: “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.”
A Legacy in the Making
Judge's lifetime against left-handed pitchers has also been noteworthy, though limited. He has had the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances.
Historically, the highest OPS+ for a right-hander in a single season was Rogers Hornsby's 222 in 1924. Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby are the only right-handers to boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge, with a 210 OPS+ in 2022, is inching closer to this legendary status.
Despite all the individual accolades, Judge remains focused on team success. “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.” His words reflect a mindset that seeks excellence through dedication and teamwork rather than personal glory.
With the season winding down, all eyes will be on Judge to see how much more he can elevate his already remarkable performance. Whether it's breaking records or leading the Yankees to victory, Aaron Judge continues to be a player for the ages, carving his name among baseball's greatest.