Aaron Judge is experiencing a historic season as captain of the New York Yankees, further solidifying his status as one of Major League Baseball's most formidable hitters. As of August 26, Judge’s eye-popping .333/.465/.736 line comes coupled with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These numbers have allowed him to lead the league in several key statistical categories: home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and wins above replacement (WAR).
With merely 31 games remaining in the season, the record books are in his crosshairs. Judge is projected to accomplish feats that have eluded many of baseball’s greats, including 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases. Only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and the 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases club is even more exclusive, with just 13 entries.
Judge’s latest tear includes homering seven times in his last six games and an astonishing 19 times over his last 36 games. His prodigious power has him on pace for a jaw-dropping 63 home runs this season, surpassing his rookie record of 52 homers set in 2017, and even exceeding the 62 home runs he belted in 2022—which was itself a remarkable achievement.
Early Season Struggles and Turnaround
Judge’s season saw a humble beginning. By April 23, he was batting a meager .174/.308/.337, but what followed was nothing short of remarkable. Over the next 106 games, Judge’s OPS soared to an astronomical 1.328. His ability to make rapid adjustments has turned his season around, silencing doubters who questioned his early struggles.
"I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone," stated Yankees manager Aaron Boone, expressing the admiration and awe that many around the league share for Judge’s achievements.
A Complete Hitter
Beyond the power numbers, Judge has developed into a more complete hitter. Though his batting average in non-home run at-bats stands at .250, his on-base percentage in such at-bats is a commendable .413. This demonstrates a nuanced approach at the plate, where Judge isn’t merely swinging for the fences but contributing in multiple facets of the game.
However, his strikeout rate of 23.4% does exceed the MLB average of 22.4%, although it is a marked improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022. This improvement underscores his ongoing commitment to refining his approach at the plate.
Chasing History
Judge’s season is also notable when considered in the broader context of baseball history. Rogers Hornsby's 1924 season boasted a 222 OPS+, and Judge, who had a 210 OPS+ in 2022, is joining the rarefied company of right-handers like Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby who have multiple seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Such milestones place Judge among the elite hitters of any era.
Interestingly, Judge has only had the platoon advantage in 26% of his plate appearances, making his numbers even more impressive given the frequent lack of favorable matchups. This year’s achievements are not just a testament to Judge's natural talent but also to his relentless work ethic and strategic approach to the game.
The Captain’s Perspective
Through the highs and lows of the season, Judge maintains a team-first mentality. "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," he noted humbly. His grounded outlook and leadership are as valuable to the Yankees as his prodigious slugging.
As Aaron Judge continues to defy expectations and carve his name deeper into baseball lore, he is offering fans a season to remember, one that blends awe-inspiring numbers with a deep appreciation for the art and grind of hitting. The league is indeed witnessing greatness, with a season that may be remembered as one of the most extraordinary in the annals of baseball history.