Aaron Judge's Historic Pursuit
Aaron Judge, the towering phenom of the New York Yankees, continues to rewrite the history books. Having already set the American League single-season home run record with 62 blasts in 2022, Judge is yet again on a tear. With 51 home runs already this season, Judge is on pace to shatter his record, projected to end the season with 63 home runs.
Beyond the home runs, Judge's all-around game is equally impressive. His current Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands at an eye-popping 9.4, underscoring his immense value to the Yankees. Projections suggest Judge’s season-long WAR may reach 11.5, which would put him in rarefied air. Only Barry Bonds, who posted a WAR of 11.7 in 2002, has exhibited such a level of dominance in recent history.
Juan Soto: Power and Potential
Meanwhile, Juan Soto, the impending free agent, has been generating headlines of his own. With 37 home runs under his belt this season, Soto is tied for fourth in the league and is on target for a total of 45 by season’s end. His consistent power display has cemented his status as one of baseball's premier sluggers.
Soto is also an all-around contributor, boasting a current WAR of 7.5, making him the fourth most valuable player in Major League Baseball according to this metric. By the end of the season, Soto’s WAR is projected to climb to an impressive 9.2.
Chasing History Together
Collectively, Judge and Soto are on an exceptional trajectory, projected to amass a combined 108 home runs this season. This rare feat has only been achieved by five previous pairs of teammates in the storied history of Major League Baseball. Should they accomplish this, their tandem performance would evoke memories of the 1961 Yankees, the only team to have two players surpass the 50 home run mark in the same year.
Adding to this historical chase, the Yankees have not witnessed two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 since the legendary 1927 lineup. The remarkable potential of Judge and Soto reflects not only their individual talents but also their ability to elevate each other and the team.
As this captivating season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Their pursuit of individual milestones, coupled with the mesmerizing prospect of their combined achievements, sets the stage for an unforgettable chapter in baseball lore.