Aaron Judge's Remarkable Season Continues to Dazzle
Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, is having a phenomenal season that has left fans and analysts searching for superlatives. As of August 26, Judge's stat line reads an impressive .333/.465/.736, with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. His performance is not just leading the Yankees but is setting the bar across Major League Baseball.
Judge currently leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a clear testament to his dominance in the 2023 season. With 31 games remaining, the race to break more records is heating up.
On the Verge of History
Judge is projected to achieve phenomenal milestones this season. Only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and only 29 have reached 400 total bases. Astonishingly, accomplishing both feats has only been done 13 times in the history of MLB. Judge is on pace to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, putting him in an elite category of hitters.
“I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone,” Yankees' manager Aaron Boone remarked, summing up the feelings of many in the baseball community.
A Power Surge for the Ages
Judge has been on an extraordinary home run tear, homering seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games. If he maintains this pace, he is set to hit 63 home runs by the end of the season. This would surpass his own impressive record from his rookie season in 2017 when he hit 52 home runs, and last year's tally of 62 home runs.
While Judge's power-hitting prowess is well known, his overall approach to the game has evolved. Though his batting average in at-bats that do not culminate in home runs stands at .250, his on-base percentage in those situations is a robust .413, showcasing his well-rounded capabilities at the plate.
Early Season Struggles and a Stellar Comeback
Judge's season did not start as strongly as it is now. By April 23, his batting line was a modest .174/.308/.337. However, since then, he has been on an outstanding run, posting an OPS of 1.328 over the next 106 games. His ability to rebound so dramatically is a key component of why he is considered one of the best in the game.
Judge's strikeout rates have also shown improvement over the years. Back in his rookie season in 2017, he had a strikeout rate of 30.7%. This year, he has cut that down to 23.4%, only slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%. Last year, he reduced his strikeout rate to 25.1%, indicating a trend of continual improvement.
A Comparative Look
To put Aaron Judge's season in a historical context, one can look at some of the greats of the game. Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season had a 222 OPS+, and both Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby are the only right-handers to have two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge, who had a 210 OPS+ in 2022, is solidifying his place among these legends.
Despite his commanding presence at the plate, Judge has had a platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances, making his achievements all the more remarkable considering he doesn't often face left-handed pitchers.
Focus and Determination
Judge’s focus remains steady amid the accolades and record-setting performances. “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,” said Judge, reflecting his humble yet determined approach to the sport.
As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge as he continues to chase history. His remarkable achievements this year are a testament to his incredible talent, hard work, and the ability to perform under pressure. Whether you are a Yankees fan or not, witnessing Judge’s performance this season is witnessing baseball greatness in its purest form.