Yankees Captain Aaron Judge on Pace for a Historic Season
As the New York Yankees press forward into the final stretch of the season, all eyes are on their formidable captain, Aaron Judge. Fresh off a record-breaking season in 2022 where he smashed 62 home runs, Judge is showing no signs of slowing down. As of August 26, he boasts an impressive .333/.465/.736 line, with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs, leading the league in almost all major offensive categories including home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Judge has continuously impressed fans and analysts alike, cementing his standing as one of baseball’s modern icons. In 2023, the towering outfielder is projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, placing him in an elite club. Historically, only 15 players have managed 100 extra-base hits in a season, and merely 29 have reached the 400 total bases milestone. Doing both in a single season is an even rarer feat, accomplished only 13 times.
Commenting on Judge’s performance, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his awe, “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” Such admiration is not unwarranted. Judge has homered seven times in his last six games and 19 times over his last 36 games, putting him on pace for 63 home runs this season, a tally that would be a monumental achievement.
Reflecting on his journey and future ambitions, Judge himself remains grounded. “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 focus on consistency and team play resonates well within the clubhouse and with fans.
Despite his stellar performance, Judge’s road this season hasn’t been without its challenges. By April 23, his batting line was a concerning .174/.308/.337. However, in the 106 games following that date, he’s turned it around dramatically, boasting an OPS of 1.328. His adaptability and resilience have been pivotal in navigating through the highs and lows of a long season.
Judge’s strikeout rate has seen significant improvement since his rookie year. Back in 2017, Judge struck out in 30.7% of his plate appearances. He trimmed it down to 25.1% in 2022 and is currently holding steady at 23.4% this season, just above the MLB average of 22.4%. Additionally, even in at-bats that don't end in a home run, Judge remains effective, maintaining a .250 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage.
The statistical marvel doesn’t end there. Judge’s OPS+ in 2022 was 210, putting him in elite company. Only Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby, both legendary right-handers, have achieved two seasons with an OPS+ exceeding 200. Hornsby’s 1924 season notably featured a 222 OPS+, setting the gold standard for performance excellence.
Yet, it's not just about the raw numbers. Judge has achieved remarkable success despite having the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances. It’s a testament to his versatility and ability to adjust against a variety of pitching styles.
With 31 games remaining, the anticipation is palpable. Can Aaron Judge maintain his pace and etch his name further into the annals of Major League Baseball history? Whatever the outcome, it's clear that Judge’s greatness is more than just about stats; it's about leadership, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to the game.