Aaron Judge Sets Historic Pace with 300th Home Run
Aaron Judge continues to cement his legacy as one of the most prolific power hitters in Major League Baseball history. On Wednesday night, the Yankees slugger hit his 300th career home run, a milestone that sets him apart from every player who has ever swung a bat in the big leagues. Judge achieved this historic feat in just his 955th career game, making him the fastest player to reach 300 home runs in MLB history. To put this into perspective, the previous record holder, Ralph Kiner, took 1,087 games to reach the same mark.
Judge's journey to 300 home runs has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by both incredible achievements and significant challenges. In 2021, Judge played in 148 games, followed by a near full season of 157 games in 2022. This year, he has participated in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
However, Judge's career hasn't been without its setbacks. He missed 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and another 56 games in 2022 due to a toe injury. Despite these interruptions, his performance on the field remains nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on his battle with injuries, Judge remarks that his toe injury requires "constant maintenance," a testament to the challenges he has overcome to remain at the top of his game.
As this season unfolds, Judge is projected to finish with 57 home runs, potentially pushing his career total to an impressive 314 by the beginning of the 2025 season. Looking further ahead, forecasts suggest that Judge could average 42 home runs per season over the next four years. This projection would see Judge entering the 2027 season with a career total of 482 home runs.
Judge's contract with the Yankees extends through 2031, giving him ample opportunity to climb the ranks of baseball's elite power hitters. If he meets these projections, Judge's final career total could place him among the legends of the sport, within striking distance of the exclusive 500-home run club. This illustrious group includes titans like Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). While achieving these numbers would elevate Judge’s status, it's important to remember the legends that set these records. For instance, Alex Rodriguez finished his career with 696 home runs, Willie Mays with 660, and Ken Griffey Jr. with 630.
Other notable members of the 500-home run club include Jim Thome (612), Sammy Sosa (609), Frank Robinson (586), and Mark McGwire (583). With his current trajectory, Judge is projected to finish his career with 589 home runs, slightly edging past Frank Robinson.
Judge's story is one of determination, resilience, and exceptional talent. Each time he steps onto the field, he's not just playing a game; he's chasing history. As Judge continues to demonstrate his prowess at the plate, baseball fans worldwide eagerly watch to see where his storied career will ultimately lead. The statistics suggest that if he can maintain his current pace and manage his injuries, Aaron Judge could very well end up being remembered as one of the greatest power hitters the sport has ever seen.