Aaron Judge: Dominance in Every Dimension
In the realm of baseball, there are few feats more awe-inspiring than the ones Aaron Judge is currently pulling off for the New York Yankees. As the team's captain, Judge is putting up numbers that are nothing short of extraordinary. "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, summarizing what many fans and analysts are feeling this season.
Staggering Statistics
As of August 26, Judge is posting an impressive .333/.465/.736 line. With 51 home runs and 122 RBIs, he’s not just part of the conversation; he is the conversation. Judge leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). These are not just random numbers; they signify a player who dominates every facet of the game.
Over the course of the season, Judge has managed to stay consistent. He's projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, a momentous achievement reached only 13 times in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). To put that in perspective, only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a single season, and just 29 have reached 400 total bases.
A Finisher Like No Other
Judge is not only a power hitter but also a timely one. He has homered seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games, setting a blistering pace. The projection for him stands at 63 home runs by season’s end. This would surpass his rookie season total of 52 home runs in 2017 and even the 62 he hit in 2022.
Despite this, Judge remains grounded in his approach. "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," Judge said. "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."
Consistency Amid Pressure
Judge's statistics reflect a player who has adapted and improved over time. While his batting average in at-bats that don't culminate in home runs stands at .250, his on-base percentage in those at-bats is .413. This speaks volumes about his ability to find ways to reach base and contribute, regardless of whether he hits a homer.
Interestingly, Judge began the season slow, with a batting line of .174/.308/.337 by April 23. However, he turned it around dramatically. His OPS in the 106 games following April 23 is an astonishing 1.328, underlining his ability to bounce back from slumps and perform at a high level for extended periods.
Beyond the Numbers
One area Judge has consistently worked on is reducing his strikeout rates. In his rookie season of 2017, his strikeout rate was a high 30.7%. It dropped to 25.1% in 2022 and now stands at 23.4% this season, which is almost on par with the MLB average of 22.4%. This improvement speaks to his evolving hitting approach and dedication to refinement.
Judge also faces another unique challenge: he has had the platoon advantage in only 26% of his plate appearances. Yet, he continues to excel, showing his adaptability against both left and right-handers.
Historical Comparisons
When discussing Aaron Judge's season, it’s impossible not to invoke the titans of baseball history. For example, Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season boasted a 222 OPS+. Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby are the only right-handers to have two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge’s 2022 season with a 210 OPS+ puts him in this elite company, and his current trajectory suggests he could achieve similar heights this year.
Aaron Judge’s performance is more than just a highlight reel; it’s a collection of sustained, mind-blowing achievements. As the season nears its final stretch with 31 games remaining, all eyes will be on Judge to see if he can continue this unparalleled run.
Whether it’s the raw numbers or the impactful moments on the field, Judge is redefining what it means to be a dominant force in baseball, elevating both his game and the excitement surrounding each Yankees match-up.
In an era of baseball filled with remarkable talents, Judge stands out not just for his stats, but for the awe and respect he commands every time he steps onto the diamond.