Aaron Judge Carving His Place in MLB History
Aaron Judge stands as the epitome of baseball excellence in the 2023 season. As the captain of the New York Yankees, Judge's performance on the diamond has been nothing short of spectacular. With an impressive .333/.465/.736 line, he has belted 51 home runs and driven in 122 RBIs as of August 26, leading the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. Widely regarded for his power and precision, Judge's remarkable achievements are setting new standards in modern Major League Baseball.
With 31 games remaining in the season, Judge is projected to accomplish milestones that only a few legends have reached. Only 15 players in the annals of baseball history have recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and a mere 29 have achieved 400 total bases. Achieving both milestones in a single season is a rare feat, accomplished only 13 times. Judge is poised to join this elite club, projected to reach 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases.
"I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone," said Manager Aaron Boone, encapsulating the awe Judge inspires in teammates and competitors alike.
Judge's current form is a sight to behold. Homering seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games, he is on pace for a staggering 63 home runs this season. For context, Judge hit 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017 and set a new personal high with 62 home runs in 2022. His prowess at the plate is more than just brute strength; he displays an advanced understanding of the game, sporting a .413 on-base percentage in at-bats that don't culminate in home runs. Though his batting average in these instances stands at .250, he continues to make significant contributions.
Contrary to his explosive power, Judge's season did not begin on a high note. By April 23, his batting line was a modest .174/.308/.337. However, the star slugger dramatically turned his performance around, posting an OPS of 1.328 in the 106 games following April 23. Judge's resilience and ability to adapt are part of what makes him an invaluable asset to the Yankees.
Despite his extraordinary feats, Judge isn't immune to challenges. For instance, he strikes out in 23.4% of his plate appearances, slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%. Yet, this represents a marked improvement from his earlier career; Judge had a strikeout rate of 30.7% in his rookie season and 25.1% in 2022.
The historical comparisons are inevitable. Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season, which had an unimaginable 222 OPS+, remains one of the gold standards in baseball. Judge, boasting a 210 OPS+ in 2022, joins the ranks of legends like Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby, who are among the only right-handers to post two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200. It's clear Judge is not merely having a good season; he is on a trajectory that echoes the performances of baseball's greatest icons.
In a sport where right-handed batters often face a disadvantage, Judge excels in strategic play. He has had the platoon advantage in 26% of his plate appearances, demonstrating a keen understanding of when to exploit matchups to his benefit.
Reflecting on his stellar season, Judge remains focused and humble. "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 remarked.
As Aaron Judge continues his march toward the history books, those watching are left in awe of his remarkable talent and dedication to the game. With each game, Judge carves a little more into his growing legacy, leaving an indelible mark on Major League Baseball.