Aaron Judge's Historic Season: A Masterclass in Excellence
New York Yankees' captain Aaron Judge is putting the baseball world on notice with a jaw-dropping performance this season. As of August 26, Judge boasts an impressive .333/.465/.736 batting line with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. Leading the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Judge is on an incredible trajectory as the 2023 season heads to its final stretch with 31 games remaining.
Judge's performance goes beyond just eye-popping stats. He has shown a consistency and level of play that few can match. His seven home runs in the last six games and 19 home runs in the last 36 games are further testament to his hitting prowess. Projected to finish with 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, Judge is on pace to achieve feats that only 15 and 29 players, respectively, have ever accomplished in a single season. Achieving both marks in the same season is even rarer, having been done only 13 times in baseball history. With his prowess, Judge is poised to etch his name alongside the game's legends.
Moreover, Judge is on pace to hit 63 home runs this season, which would surpass his own rookie record of 52 homers in 2017. It’s not just about the sheer number of home runs; it’s also about the clutch performances and the leadership he has brought to the Yankees. When asked about his remarkable season, Judge humbly responded, “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.”
Manager Aaron Boone had nothing but high praise for Judge, stating, “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” Boone’s sentiment encapsulates the awe that surrounds Judge’s spectacular season.
Despite facing a slow start—showing a .174/.308/.337 batting line by April 23—Judge's resilience has been nothing short of remarkable. Since then, he has rebounded tremendously, posting a 1.328 OPS in the 106 games following April 23. His ability to bounce back signifies not just a physical return, but a mental fortitude and unwavering focus on his goals.
Judge’s approach to the game combines power with a disciplined eye at the plate. He has a .413 on-base percentage in at-bats that don't culminate in home runs, highlighting his ability to contribute even when not going deep. Comparatively, his .250 batting average in non-home run at-bats further indicates his balance between power and contact hitting.
Strikeouts have always been a part of Judge's game, but he has shown marked improvement. His strikeout rate stands at 23.4% this year, a significant improvement from the 30.7% in his rookie year and 25.1% in the 2022 season. For context, the MLB average strikeout rate is 22.4%, showcasing that Judge is not excessively striking out and has refined his approach at the plate over the years.
Comparing Judge's performance to historical greats magnifies his exceptional season. With a 210 OPS+ in 2022, Judge joined an elite group that includes Rogers Hornsby and Jimmie Foxx, the only right-handers with two seasons boasting an OPS+ over 200. Hornsby’s 1924 season holds a 222 OPS+, emphasizing the historical context of Judge’s achievements.
Another intriguing aspect of Judge's season is his performance against both right-handers and left-handers. He has had the platoon advantage in just 26% of his plate appearances, yet his production remains consistently elite regardless of the matchup.
As the season progresses, all eyes are on Aaron Judge. The Yankees' captain is crafting a season for the ages, mixing historical milestones with day-to-day dominance. His combined power, plate discipline, and leadership qualities are propelling him into uncharted territory, making 2023 a year to remember in Major League Baseball.