Aaron Judge's Phenomenal Season Continues to Rewrite Records
In a year already brimming with historic feats, Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, continues to etch his name in the annals of baseball history. As of August 26, Judge is making an indelible mark with an astounding .333/.465/.736 slash line, accompanied by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs.
The 2023 season has seen Judge leading the league in an impressive array of statistical categories, including home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. At this torrid pace, Judge is not only eyeing personal and franchise records but also making a legitimate case as one of the all-time greats in Major League Baseball.
Chasing History
With 31 games remaining in the season, Judge is projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, a feat that has only been accomplished 13 times in baseball history. Moreover, Judge is on pace to hit 63 home runs, eclipsing his previous career-high of 62 home runs set in the 2022 season.
Judge’s remarkable run isn’t just limited to this season. He has hit 52 home runs since April 23, following a sluggish start where his batting line read .174/.308/.337. Since then, he has posted an OPS of 1.328 in 106 games, reflecting an extraordinary turnaround that underscores his elite hitting capabilities.
Record-Breaking Potential
The milestone of recording 100 extra-base hits in a season has been achieved by only 15 players, while 29 players have reached the milestone of 400 total bases in a season. Judge's projected numbers place him in a unique echelon of players, joining the likes of Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby.
Hornsby's legendary 1924 season boasted a 222 OPS+, while Foxx and Hornsby are the only right-handers to have two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge’s 2022 campaign featured a 210 OPS+, and he continues to show that such performances were no fluke.
Managerial Praise and Personal Commitment
“I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone,” said Yankees Manager Aaron Boone, echoing sentiments shared by many across the league. Judge, however, remains grounded and team-focused, stating, “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.”
Refining His Craft
Judge’s improvement extends beyond power hitting. His strikeout rate has markedly improved over the years, dropping from 30.7% in 2017 to 25.1% in 2022. This season, he is striking out in just 23.4% of his plate appearances, a hair above the MLB average of 22.4%. His on-base percentage in non-home-run at-bats stands at a robust .413, a testament to his growing plate discipline and consistent contributions.
These improvements have not only bolstered Judge’s individual stats but have also significantly contributed to the Yankees' overall performance. Despite having the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances, Judge continues to dominate in all situations, reinforcing his status as a well-rounded, elite hitter.
A Legacy in the Making
As Aaron Judge continues to chase history, every at-bat becomes a spectacle for baseball enthusiasts. His incredible statistics and the potential to achieve what few in the sport have ever done make this season a must-watch for all fans. While Judge keeps his focus on being a good hitter and teammate, the baseball world will undoubtedly keep its eyes on this extraordinary talent, recognizing the greatness they are witnessing on the field.