Aaron Judge’s Stellar Season Continues to Re-Write Record Books
The thunderous cheers from Yankee Stadium are a testament to Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, and his extraordinary performance this season. With 31 games left, Judge is putting together a campaign for the ages, one that may well etch his name deeper into the annals of baseball history.
As of August 26, Judge is producing a staggering .333/.465/.736 line, complemented by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. His dominance at the plate is clear: Judge leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His prowess is such that Yankees manager Aaron Boone has run out of superlatives. “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone,” Boone remarked, capturing the essence of what fans and analysts alike are witnessing.
In the chase for milestones, Judge stands on the precipice of achieving what few in the game have managed. Only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and Judge is projected to achieve 101. Additionally, Judge is on pace to reach 418 total bases, a mark surpassed by only 29 players. The combined feat of 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases in a single season has been accomplished just 13 times. This season, Judge is poised to make it 14.
His recent form is nothing short of breathtaking, with seven home runs in his last six games and 19 in his last 36. At this rate, Judge is on pace for 63 home runs for the season. This follows his incredible rookie campaign in 2017, where he hit 52 home runs and the remarkable 2022 season where he tallied 62 long balls. His consistency and capacity for power hitting are hallmarks of his game, distinguishing him from peers and predecessors alike. Reflecting on his journey thus far, Judge humbly stated, “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.”
Despite his home run prowess, Judge's overall effectiveness at the plate shouldn't be overlooked. His batting average in at-bats that don't end in home runs stands at .250, while his on-base percentage in such scenarios is an impressive .413. This holistic approach has contributed to his exceptional offensive metrics and an OPS of 1.328 in the 106 games since April 23, after starting with a .174/.308/.337 line by that date.
The strikeout aspect of his game has also evolved. While Judge’s current strikeout rate of 23.4% is slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%, it marks a significant improvement from his 30.7% rate in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022. This reduction in strikeouts underscores his development into a more disciplined and dangerous hitter.
Historically, achieving an OPS+ of over 200 is a rare feat, one that legendary right-handers like Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby accomplished twice. Judge, who achieved a remarkable 210 OPS+ in 2022, is in the running to join this elite group. Hornsby’s 1924 season, with a 222 OPS+, remains a high-water mark, but with Judge’s current trajectory, he may come close to replicating such historic excellence.
An often-overlooked aspect of Judge's game is his ability to excel even without the platoon advantage, enjoying it in just 26% of his plate appearances. This further highlights his adaptability and superiority at the plate.
As the season approaches its climax, Aaron Judge continues to elevate his game to monumental levels, delighting Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts everywhere. His relentless pursuit of perfection is painting a masterpiece on the 2023 season canvas, making each game a must-watch event. With every swing, he defies the boundaries of athletic excellence, making statements on the field that need no further elaboration.