Aaron Judge Sets New MLB Record as Fastest to 300 Home Runs
Wednesday night marked a historic achievement for Aaron Judge, as he launched his 300th career home run, becoming the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to reach the milestone. Remarkably, Judge accomplished this feat in just his 955th game, shattering the previous record held by Ralph Kiner, who needed 1,087 games to reach the same number.
Since his debut in the league, Judge has consistently demonstrated his incredible power at the plate. In the span of his career, he has shown resilience and skill, despite facing significant setbacks due to injuries. In 2018, Judge missed 50 games and was sidelined for another 116 games over the 2019 and 2022 seasons combined. Nevertheless, he returned each time with remarkable performance.
In recent seasons, Judge has managed to stay relatively healthy, playing 148 games in 2021 and almost a full season in 2022 with 157 games. This year, he has remained a key player for the Yankees, participating in 120 of their 122 games so far. His tenacity was tested again due to a toe injury that required “constant maintenance,” as Judge himself described, but he continues to be a pivotal figure in the Yankees’ lineup.
Looking ahead at Judge’s potential, projections for the current season forecast him ending with 57 home runs, pushing his career total to 314 as he heads into 2025. Over the next four years, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season, bringing his projected career total to 482 by the end of that period. Such a trajectory would position him well to join the elite ranks of the 500-home run club – a milestone achieved by legends like Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714).
Judge’s contract with the New York Yankees runs through 2031, providing him ample time to continue to accumulate home runs and potentially climb higher on the all-time list. Should he maintain his projected pace, Judge’s career total could reach 589 home runs, placing him just beyond Frank Robinson, who sits at 586.
To put Judge's achievements into perspective, Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), and Ken Griffey Jr. (630) are among the esteemed sluggers he could surpass if his form holds. Other notable names in the 500-home run club include Jim Thome (612), Sammy Sosa (609), and Reggie Jackson (563). Judge's ability to potentially eclipse these long-standing records speaks volumes about his prowess and consistency as a hitter.
Throughout his tenure with the Yankees, Judge has become not just a formidable offensive weapon, but also a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team's identity. His power-hitting capabilities, coupled with his dedication and resilience, have solidified his reputation as one of the premier players of his generation.
As Judge continues his career, baseball enthusiasts around the world will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on his progress, speculating about the further milestones he is destined to achieve. For now, the distinction as the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 home runs stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and the promise of even greater accomplishments in the years to come.