It's shaping up to be another remarkable season for Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who are both on track to etch their names into the fabric of baseball history. With Judge already sitting at 51 home runs this season and his power showing no signs of slowing, he's on pace to surpass his own American League single-season home run record of 62, set just last year in 2022. If Judge maintains his torrid pace, he could finish the season with an astounding 63 home runs.
In addition to his home run exploits, Judge's impact on the field is measurable in several ways. His current Wins Above Replacement (WAR) is a staggering 9.4, suggesting his season-long WAR could reach an impressive 11.5. This figure would place him in elite company, surpassed by very few in the annals of Major League Baseball. By comparison, Barry Bonds had a WAR of 11.7 in 2002, illustrating the level of performance Judge is approaching.
Not to be outdone, Washington Nationals' slugger Juan Soto is also having an exceptional season. Currently a pending free agent, Soto has cranked 37 home runs and is on track for a total of 45 by season’s end. This puts Soto tied for fourth in the league in home runs, highlighting his consistent power throughout the season. His influence goes beyond home runs, as evidenced by his WAR of 7.5, positioning him fourth in MLB. Projections suggest Soto's WAR could climb to 9.2 before the season concludes.
These two powerhouses, Judge and Soto, could achieve something rare in the history of baseball. They are collectively on pace for 108 home runs this season, a feat only five pairs of teammates in Major League Baseball history have accomplished. The Yankees, Judge's team, have a storied history with these kinds of records. The only team to have two players surpass 50 home runs each in the same season was the 1961 Yankees, adding a historical touch to Judge’s pursuit of greatness.
Adding even more intrigue, the Yankees have not had two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 since 1927. That year, the legendary duo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig achieved this mark, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest one-two punches in baseball history. If Judge and another Yankee were to break this long-standing record, it would be a testament to their dominance on the field and deepen the lore of the Yankees' franchise.
The blend of Judge’s and Soto’s individual achievements adds a fascinating layer to this season’s narrative. With Soto's pending free agency looming, his continued success at the plate could have significant implications for his market value and the future trajectory of his career. Teams around the league will be watching his performance intently, aware that adding a player of his caliber could change the dynamics of their lineup.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will inevitably focus on how many records these two sluggers can break. Their monstrous home run totals and high WAR suggest seasons for the ages, setting a benchmark for future generations to aspire to. In Judge’s case, surpassing his own record and possibly lifting the Yankees to new heights will be the ultimate goal, while Soto's quest will be both personal and professional, aiming to secure his place among the game's greats and set the foundation for his next contract.
Whether they achieve all their aims remains to be seen, but their current trajectories are giving fans and analysts plenty to talk about. Every swing of the bat, every game-changing moment, has the capacity to rewrite the history books. These aren't just two players having great seasons; they're redefining what excellence means in the modern era of baseball.