Judge's Stellar Season: Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
Aaron Judge's 2022 season was nothing short of historic as he set the American League single-season home run record with a staggering 62 home runs. This year, Judge is not showing any signs of slowing down. With 51 home runs already tallied, he is on pace to surpass his own record, potentially reaching 63 home runs by the end of the season. His impressive performance is underscored by a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, and some projections suggest his season-long WAR could soar to 11.5.
Comparisons with the Greats
Judge's current WAR of 9.4 places him among the elite players in the league. To put this into perspective, Barry Bonds, one of baseball's greatest hitters, had a WAR of 11.7 in 2002. If Judge continues his current trajectory, he could find himself in that rarefied company by season's end.
Soto's Stellar Performance
Judge is not the only player turning heads this season. Juan Soto, a pending free agent, is also making headlines with his remarkable performance. Soto has blasted 37 home runs so far, tying him for fourth in the league in home runs. His consistent display of power has set him on course for a total of 45 home runs this season. Additionally, Soto boasts a WAR of 7.5, situating him prominently in fourth place for WAR in Major League Baseball. He, too, is expected to maintain this momentum, with projections indicating a season-long WAR of 9.2.
A Historic Duo in the Making
The combined prowess of Judge and Soto has led to some notable milestones. Together, they are on pace for a remarkable 108 home runs this season. This rare feat has only been achieved by five previous pairs of teammates in MLB history, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of their combined efforts. The Yankees, who have not seen two teammates each surpass a WAR of 10 since 1927, could potentially witness this historic occurrence once again.
The Legacy of the 1961 Yankees
For Yankees fans, the current season sparks memories of the 1961 Yankees, the only team to have two players surpass 50 home runs in a single season, a testament to the enduring standard of excellence associated with the franchise.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Judge and Soto. Their individual and combined performances not only captivate fans but also ensure their places in baseball's storied history. Analysts and enthusiasts alike will eagerly watch to see if Judge can break his own home run record and how far the duo can push the boundaries of what has been achieved in past seasons.
The unfolding story of Judge and Soto’s exceptional seasons adds yet another thrilling chapter to the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball, marking 2023 as a year to remember for the sport.