As the designated captain of the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge continues to redefine excellence in Major League Baseball. His statistics for the season, as of August 26, encapsulate an extraordinary performance with a .333/.465/.736 batting line, 51 home runs, and 122 RBIs. Judge not only leads the league in these categories but also in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
With only 31 games remaining in the season, Judge is on a formidable pace, with projections suggesting he could achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases. This feat, combining 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases, has been accomplished a mere 13 times in the history of MLB. Reaching the 400 total base milestone is rarer still, with only 29 players achieving it. The 100 extra-base hits milestone is equally exclusive, with only 15 players ever recording it in a single season.
Judge's Meteoric Rise
The season's narrative isn't just about the numbers but also the surge Judge experienced after a slow start. On April 23, he had a batting line of .174/.308/.337, but since then, his numbers have skyrocketed to an OPS of 1.328 over the next 106 games. His home run spree has been particularly remarkable, with seven home runs in his last six games and 19 in his last 36 games. This performance puts him on pace for 63 home runs for the season, surpassing the 52 he hit during his rookie campaign in 2017 and the 62 he achieved in 2022.
A Balanced Hitter
Judge's consistency extends beyond his home run prowess. His batting average in at-bats that do not culminate in a home run stands at .250, complemented by a .413 on-base percentage. These metrics illustrate his ability to contribute significantly even when not sending the ball out of the park.
His approach at the plate has shown marked improvement and maturity, particularly in strikeout rates. This season, Judge is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances, a reduction from his 2017 rate of 30.7% and even below his 2022 rate of 25.1%. This is just slightly above the MLB average strikeout rate of 22.4%, highlighting Judge’s development as a more contact-oriented hitter.
In Elite Company
Judge's outstanding season is on track to join the legendary performances of baseball icons. Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season holds a 222 OPS+, and only Hornsby and Jimmie Foxx have recorded two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge came close with a 210 OPS+ in 2022, showcasing his consistency among the game's all-time greats.
For most hitters, facing pitchers of the same hand can be a challenge, but Judge has had the platoon advantage in only 26% of his plate appearances. His success despite this disadvantage underscores his proficiency at adapting and excelling under varying conditions on the field.
His accolades and achievements have not gone unnoticed by his peers and leaders. Yankees Manager Aaron Boone expressed admiration, stating, "I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone." Boone's sentiment encapsulates the awe that Judge's performance has inspired across the league.
Judge's own approach to the game remains humble and focused. "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. His dedication to teamwork and personal excellence exemplifies the attributes of a true leader.
As the season progresses, baseball enthusiasts will be closely watching to see how Aaron Judge continues to carve his name into the annals of the sport. His blend of power, precision, and humility not only elevates his game but also the expectations and hopes of the New York Yankees faithful.