Judge Leading by Example: The Phenomenal Season of Aaron Judge
As the regular season edges closer to its conclusion, Aaron Judge is making a compelling case for one of the most extraordinary performances in recent MLB history. Serving as the New York Yankees' captain, Judge’s stellar achievements on the diamond have become the gold standard in baseball this year.
By August 26, Judge was posting an impeccable .333/.465/.736 batting line, highlighting his all-around prowess at the plate. Blasting 51 home runs and driving in 122 RBIs, he’s been the driving force behind the Yankees’ offensive efforts. Such remarkable metrics have seen Judge lead the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
With 31 games left in the season, anticipation is mounting over whether Judge can reach illustrious milestones. In the almost two-century-old history of Major League Baseball, only 15 players have ever smashed 100 extra-base hits in a single season, and a mere 29 have amassed 400 total bases. Achieving both in a single season is an even rarer feat, accomplished just 13 times. Projections suggest Judge could be on track to join this exclusive club, with estimates of 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases.
The frequency and power of Judge’s home runs have been nothing short of sensational. His recent hot streak, including seven homers in the last six games and 19 over the past 36, has him on pace to finish with 63 home runs for the season. Such a tally would surpass the 52 home runs he hit as a rookie in 2017 and come tantalizingly close to his 62 home runs in the 2022 season.
Reflecting on Judge’s impact, Yankees manager Aaron Boone couldn’t hold back his 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.”
Despite the impressive long-ball statistics, there’s more to Judge’s game than power. In at-bats that don't result in home runs, Judge is batting .250 with a respectable .413 on-base percentage, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently. This season, Judge’s OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) in the 106 games following a sluggish start (by April 23, his line was a mere .174/.308/.337) surged to an eye-popping 1.328, highlighting his determination and adaptability.
The strikeout remains a nuanced part of Judge’s game. While his 23.4% strikeout rate this season is slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%, it marks a significant improvement from his early career. He struck out at a rate of 30.7% in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022. Judge’s progress in managing strikeouts has contributed significantly to his overall efficacy at the plate.
Comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats have been inevitable. Historically, players like Rogers Hornsby stand out; Hornsby's 1924 season saw a stunning 222 OPS+. Notably, Judge’s 210 OPS+ in 2022 places him in rarefied air, joining the ranks of right-handed legends like Hornsby and Jimmie Foxx, who each boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200.
A key strategic element in Judge’s play has been his approach against left-handed pitching. This season, he’s had the platoon advantage in 26% of his plate appearances, amplifying his ability to exploit matchups and maintain his extraordinary performance metrics.
Addressing his approach and mindset, Judge remarked, “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.”
As Aaron Judge continues to dazzle with his prodigious talent and unwavering commitment, he’s crafting a season that could etch his name among the baseball elite. Whether through groundbreaking statistics or inspirational leadership, Judge is indeed living up to the monumental expectations of being the Yankees' captain, a mantle once borne by legends.