There is a unique brilliance lighting up the New York Yankees roster—a brilliance named Aaron Judge. In a remarkable season that has left pundits, fans, and opponents in awe, Judge has been rewriting record books and redefining excellence on the diamond.
Dominating the Stats
As of August 26, Judge's statistical output is nothing short of staggering. He boasts a slash line of .333/.465/.736 and leads the league in home runs (51) and RBIs (122), among other categories. Currently, Judge is at the helm in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His prowess at the plate has seen him homer seven times in the last six games and 19 times in the last 36 games. Remarkably, Judge is on pace for 63 home runs this season, surpassing his rookie mark of 52 home runs in 2017 and last season's 62.
On the Brink of Historic Milestones
As the regular season approaches its climax with 31 games remaining, Judge stands on the cusp of joining an elite club of hitters. Only 15 players have managed to record 100 extra-base hits in a season and just 29 have accumulated 400 total bases. Achieving both milestones in a single season, a feat accomplished just 13 times, seems imminent for Judge, who is projected to notch 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases. Such historic marks underscore Judge's unprecedented impact this year.
A Season Turnaround
This extraordinary run didn't seem to be on the horizon back in April. By April 23, Judge's batting line was a modest .174/.308/.337. However, in the 106 games since then, he has elevated his OPS to a staggering 1.328. After a slow start, Judge found his groove and never looked back, becoming more lethal as the season progressed.
Handling the Challenges
What's equally impressive is Judge's ability to maintain this high level of performance while facing plenty of challenges. With a strikeout rate sitting at 23.4% this season—just slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%—he has demonstrated improved discipline compared to his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and even his 25.1% rate last year. Despite a .250 batting average in non-home-run at-bats, Judge has managed an impressive on-base percentage of .413 in those same situations, highlighting his all-around value to the team.
Only two right-handed batters in MLB history, Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby, boast two seasons with an OPS+ over 200. Judge, who recorded an OPS+ of 210 last year, is on track to join their ranks once again. It's a testament to his consistent ability to outplay even the stiffest of competition.
The Team's Cornerstone
Aaron Judge's performance has evoked admiration not only from fans and pundits but also from within his own team. "I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone," remarked Yankees Manager Aaron Boone. Such praise isn't merely hyperbolic; it's a stark recognition of Judge’s extraordinary talents and contributions.
Yet amid the burgeoning accolades, Judge remains focused on the essentials. "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 explained. "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."
Approaching the end of the season, Judge’s achievements set a high bar not only for himself but for the league as a whole. His astounding metrics and relentless pursuit of excellence have encapsulated a season for the ages—one that baseball enthusiasts will remember long after the final game has been played.