As the baseball season reaches its crescendo, Aaron Judge’s performance continues to spellbound fans and confound opponents. The captain of the New York Yankees has been nothing short of phenomenal, putting up numbers that not only place him at the top of multiple statistical categories for the season but also within the realm of historic greatness.
A Season to Remember
As of August 26, Judge boasts an impressive .333/.465/.736 batting line, with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. He leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. With 31 games remaining, he is projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases—a feat accomplished only 13 times before. His dominance in these categories reaffirms his extraordinary prowess at the plate.
Judge is no stranger to record-breaking seasons. In his rookie year in 2017, he hit 52 home runs, and in the 2022 season, he bested that with 62 homers. This year, he is on pace for 63 home runs, potentially setting yet another personal best. Among these milestones, Judge continues to outshine his peers, displaying a unique combination of power and consistency rarely seen in the sport.
Consistency Amidst Challenges
Despite a slow start, Judge’s resilience has been remarkable. By April 23, his batting line read .174/.308/.337, a far cry from his current metrics. However, since then, his OPS in the subsequent 106 games soared to 1.328, illustrating a formidable turnaround. His ability to bounce back and elevate his performance when it matters most is a testament to his skill and determination.
Judge’s approach at the plate showcases both his power and his patience. Although he is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances this season—slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%—it is an improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022. His .413 on-base percentage during at-bats that do not culminate in home runs highlights his capability to contribute to his team in multifaceted ways.
A League of His Own
History resonates in Judge’s achievements. This season, Judge has had the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances, emphasizing his versatility and ability to excel against different types of pitching. His 210 OPS+ in 2022 places him among legends; only Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby, both right-handers, have recorded two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200. Hornsby’s season in 1924, which saw a 222 OPS+, remains a benchmark for right-handed hitters, and Judge’s proximity to such figures underscores his standing among the greats.
The Teammate’s Mindset
Despite his individual success, Judge maintains a humble and team-oriented mindset. “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,” says Judge. His emphasis on being a supportive teammate speaks volumes about his character and leadership.
Manager Aaron Boone, in sheer admiration of Judge's capabilities, echoes the sentiments of many. “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” This high praise from his manager is not taken lightly, considering Judge's astonishing performance throughout the season.
With 31 games left in the season, Judge has ample opportunity to etch his name further into the annals of baseball history. His extraordinary skills, coupled with a determined and team-focused approach, ensure that he will remain a central figure in the sport. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this saga of greatness continues to unfold.