Judge's Stellar Season: A Glimpse of Greatness
In what can only be described as a season for the ages, Aaron Judge has not merely met the high expectations placed upon him as the captain of the New York Yankees, but he has surpassed them in a manner that is leaving fans and analysts in awe. Judge's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, a seamless blend of power and precision that underscores his stature as one of the game's elite hitters.
As of August 26, Judge is sporting a robust .333/.465/.736 batting line, complemented by an astonishing 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. His dominance is evident as he leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement). With 31 games remaining in the season, Judge’s trajectory suggests historic milestones are within his reach.
Manager Aaron Boone articulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” Indeed, the numbers back up Boone's praise unequivocally. Only 15 players in Major League Baseball history have recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and a mere 29 have reached 400 total bases. Judge is projected to achieve an unprecedented 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, feats accomplished together only 13 times before.
The consistency of Judge's power is evidenced by his recent surge, with seven home runs in his last six games and 19 in his last 36. This remarkable run has him on pace for an impressive 63 home runs by season's end. It’s a performance reminiscent of his rookie year in 2017, a season that saw him hit 52 home runs, and his spectacular campaign in 2022, where he belted 62 homers.
Yet, Judge's season is not solely about home runs. His overall batting prowess is underscored by a .250 average in non-home run at-bats and a .413 on-base percentage in those instances, highlighting his ability to get on base and contribute in multiple facets of the game. Remarkably, Judge’s season took a significant turn after a slow start. His batting line was a dismal .174/.308/.337 by April 23, but he has since posted a staggering 1.328 OPS in the 106 games that followed.
Strikeouts have historically been a part of Judge's game, and while his current strikeout rate of 23.4% is slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%, it is a marked improvement from his 30.7% rate in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022. This progression signifies a refinement in his approach at the plate, contributing to his elevated performance metrics this season.
Judge’s season is drawing comparisons to some of the greatest seasons in baseball history. For instance, Rogers Hornsby's 1924 season, which had a 222 OPS+, remains a high-water mark for right-handed hitters. Strikingly, only Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby have had two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200. Judge’s own 210 OPS+ in 2022 and his current form suggest he may soon join this distinguished company.
While he continues to chase these historic benchmarks, Judge remains singularly focused on contributing to his team’s 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,” Judge said, underscoring his team-first mentality and dedication to the sport.
One additional factor worth noting is Judge's performance despite limited platoon advantage, having faced opposite-handed pitchers in just 26% of his plate appearances. This is further testament to his versatility and adaptability at the plate, attributes that have enabled his sustained excellence throughout the season.
As Aaron Judge continues to dazzle with his exceptional display of talent and poise, fans and analysts alike are witnessing a chapter of baseball history being written in real-time. With each swing of the bat, Judge fortifies his legacy, compelling us to watch in awe as he chases down the remarkable achievements that lie ahead.