Amidst the storied corridors of Major League Baseball, Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, is crafting an extraordinary season that is already noted in the annals of the sport. The records and accolades linked to his name continue to mount, painting a portrait of a player whose achievements on the field are as awe-inspiring as they are significant.
As of August 26, Judge has showcased an impressive batting line of .333/.465/.736 accompanied by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. This stellar performance sees him leading the league in several key statistical categories: home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). With 31 games remaining in the season, there is mounting anticipation about the monumental milestones Judge could achieve.
Breaking New Ground
Aaron Judge’s potential to join a rarefied echelon of players is more than just speculation. Hitting 100 extra-base hits in a single season is a remarkable feat that only 15 players have ever achieved. Judge, currently projected to hit 101 extra-base hits, is on the cusp of joining this elite group. Moreover, reaching 400 total bases in a season has been accomplished by merely 29 players. Judge’s forecast of 418 total bases places him firmly in line to become part of another select cadre.
The dual achievement of 100 extra-base hits and 400 total bases within a single season has occurred just 13 times in the history of the sport. Should projections hold, Judge will etch his name alongside the sport's greatest legends in this distinguished club.
Boarding Baseball’s Mount Olympus
Judge’s recent performance underscores his dominance. Homering seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36, Judge is on pace for a magnificent 63 home runs this season. This would add to his impressive catalog of power-hitting exploits, which includes 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017 and a stunning 62 homers last season in 2022.
Despite his towering home run numbers, looking solely at his power underestimates the nuances of his game. Judge has maintained a .250 batting average and a .413 on-base percentage when his at-bats don't culminate in home runs, underscoring an advanced plate discipline and overall hitting prowess that makes him a multifaceted threat.
Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees, encapsulated the awe Judge inspires, remarking, “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.”
The Strikeout Narrative
Judge has worked relentlessly to refine his approach at the plate. Early in the season, by April 23, his batting line was a mere .174/.308/.337, but in the 106 games since, Judge transformed dramatically to achieve an OPS of 1.328. This remarkable turnaround is indicative of both his unerring work ethic and his ability to adjust and excel under pressure.
His strikeout rate, a common talking point in analytical circles, reflects this evolution. This season, he is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances—noticeably lower than the MLB average strikeout rate of 22.4%. Compared to previous seasons, there is a marked improvement from his strikeout rates of 30.7% in 2017 and 25.1% in 2022.
Historic Comparisons
Placing Judge in the context of baseball lore, the historical comparisons come naturally. Rogers Hornsby’s iconic 1924 season held a 222 OPS+, a benchmark in baseball excellence. Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby are the only right-handed hitters to boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge joins this elite company with his 210 OPS+ achieved in 2022 and is further solidifying his place among the all-time greats with his current season.
Adding to the technical challenge he faces, Judge has had the platoon advantage in only 26% of his plate appearances. Yet, even without frequent favorable matchups, his performance remains extraordinary.
Embodying Excellence
His approach to the game remains grounded, focusing more on being a valuable teammate and consistent hitter. Judge himself reflected on his season with characteristic humility, “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.”
With each swing, each home run, and each game, Aaron Judge is not just a player competing in a baseball season; he is an emboldened force rewriting the script of what is possible within America’s pastime.