Judge’s Pursuit of Excellence
Aaron Judge's prolific hitting in 2022, where he set the American League single-season home run record with 62 home runs, has left fans and analysts alike in awe. Fast forward to the current season, and Judge's remarkable performance continues unabated. With 51 home runs already to his name, Judge is on pace to hit 63 home runs this season, potentially surpassing his own record from last year.
Judge's impact on the field extends beyond just home runs. His current WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 9.4 is indicative of his all-around contribution to the Yankees. Should he maintain his current trajectory, his season-long WAR is projected to reach an impressive 11.5. To put this into perspective, the last player to post a WAR that high was Barry Bonds in 2002, who finished the season with a WAR of 11.7.
Juan Soto's Stellar Season
As Aaron Judge embarks on another potentially record-setting campaign, his teammate, Juan Soto, is also having a season to remember. Soto, who is a pending free agent, has hit 37 home runs so far this season. This performance ties him for fourth in the league in home runs. If he maintains his current pace, Soto is projected to end the season with 45 home runs.
Like Judge, Soto's value to the team extends beyond his ability to hit the long ball. With a current WAR of 7.5, Soto finds himself positioned fourth in Major League Baseball in this critical statistical category. Should he continue on his current path, Soto's season-long WAR is projected to reach 9.2.
A Historic Tandem
The combined efforts of Judge and Soto have placed them on a trajectory to collectively amass 108 home runs this season. This exceptional accomplishment is noteworthy, as only five previous pairs of teammates in Major League Baseball history have achieved a combined total of 108 home runs in a single season. The prospect of two players contributing to such a high number of home runs is a rare and significant event in the annals of baseball history.
The precedent for such a feat by a pair of teammates in the same season traces back to 1961, when the Yankees had two players each hit over 50 home runs. It’s interesting to note, however, that no teammates have accumulated WARs exceeding 10 each since 1927. Thus, Judge and Soto's combined efforts are rekindling memories of some of the most legendary seasons in baseball history.
What Lies Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto to see if they can sustain their current levels of play. Both players are not only chasing individual milestones but are also significantly contributing to their team's success. The Yankees, who are no strangers to historic achievements, find themselves on the brink of witnessing another legendary chapter unfold.
In the world of sports, where individual prowess meets collective effort, the synergy between Judge and Soto stands as a testament to their extraordinary talents. Should they meet or surpass their projected milestones, this season will undoubtedly be etched in the history books, not just for the Yankees, but for Major League Baseball as a whole.