Aaron Judge is rewriting the record books, and it's not surprising to hear his own manager, Aaron Boone, confess that he’s “kinda running out of words to say” about Judge's performances. “You’re witnessing greatness. You really are. He’s just kinda better than everyone,” Boone adds, summing up what many fans and analysts have been observing throughout the season.
Currently captaining the New York Yankees, Judge has been a force to reckon with. As of August 26, he has been dazzling with a .333/.465/.736 line, complemented by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These staggering numbers are not just impressive; they place him at the pinnacle of numerous statistical categories, leading the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement).
Chasing History
With only 31 games remaining in the season, Judge is on a trajectory that could see him make history. He's projected to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, feats that have only been accomplished 13 times in the history of Major League Baseball. For context, only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a single season and just 29 have reached 400 total bases.
His recent performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Judge has homered seven times in his last six games and boasts 19 homers in his last 36. If he maintains this pace, he is projected to round up the season with 63 home runs. It’s a significant milestone, especially considering his rookie record of 52 home runs in 2017 and a remarkable 62 home runs last season.
Consistency Amidst Challenges
Judge’s journey this year hasn’t been without its hurdles. By April 23, his batting line was a humble .174/.308/.337. Yet, true to his character, Judge turned things around spectacularly. His OPS in the 106 games following April 23 climbed to an astronomical 1.328. Part of this resurgence can be attributed to his disciplined approach at the plate. Although he is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances this season, it’s still a significant improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017. For comparison, the MLB average strikeout rate stands at 22.4%.
In at-bats that don't culminate in home runs, Judge holds a .250 batting average and has an impressive .413 on-base percentage. These statistics underscore his all-around hitting capabilities, which are often overshadowed by his towering home run numbers.
Against the Best
A telling standout in Judge's career is his ability to perform against the best pitchers. Having had the platoon advantage in merely 26% of his plate appearances, he's often faced the most challenging matchups. Yet, his numbers continue to soar, marking him as a hitter of exceptional skill and tenacity.
Judge’s OPS+ stands comparison with the best in history. For context, Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season had a 222 OPS+, and only Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby are right-handers with two seasons boasting an OPS+ over 200. Judge’s OPS+ of 210 in 2022 confirms his place in elite company, solidifying his status as one of the game's premier hitters.
Modesty in Excellence
Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Judge remains grounded. “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,” Judge reflects, embodying the mindset of a true sportsman.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge to see if he can continue his torrid pace and perhaps, etch his name even deeper into the annals of baseball history. Yet, regardless of the final numbers, Judge’s 2023 season is already one for the ages, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.