Aaron Judge: A Season for the Ages
In a sport steeped in history and tradition, certain performances demand attention, admiration, and a place in the annals of baseball lore. Such is the case with Aaron Judge, the commanding presence and captain of the New York Yankees, who is putting together a season that will be remembered for its sheer dominance. As of August 26, Judge is slashing an extraordinary .333/.465/.736 with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. These numbers not only place him at the top of multiple statistical categories, but they also highlight his integral role in the Yankees’ offense.
Undoubtedly, Judge leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His excellence at the plate is reshaping the standard for what a truly phenomenal season looks like. Just how exceptional is Judge’s 2023 campaign? Only 15 players in the entire history of Major League Baseball have recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and a mere 29 have reached the milestone of 400 total bases. Remarkably, Judge is projected to surpass both of these rare feats with 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases.
The numbers, though impressive, only tell part of the story. The context behind Judge’s surge is equally fascinating. His seven homers in his last six games and 19 in his last 36 games point to a player who is reaching new heights as the season progresses. Furthermore, with 31 games remaining, Judge is on pace for a staggering 63 home runs, a number that would place him among some of the most legendary sluggers the sport has ever seen.
“I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented, encapsulating the awe that Judge's performance inspires. Boone’s sentiment reflects the reality of watching Judge perform—a combination of power, precision, and plate discipline that sets him apart.
The comparison to past greats is unavoidable. In his rookie season in 2017, Judge hit an astonishing 52 home runs. Fast forward to 2022, and he bested that number with 62 home runs. His ability to maintain such a high level of play amidst changing conditions and growing expectations speaks volumes about his consistency and dedication. Over the course of this season, Judge has demonstrated an incredible .413 on-base percentage in at-bats that do not result in home runs, showcasing his well-rounded capabilities as a hitter.
Adversity also plays a part in Judge’s narrative. By April 23, his batting line was a meager .174/.308/.337. However, his response to this early struggle has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the 106 games following April 23, Judge’s OPS is an eye-popping 1.328, serving as a testament to his resilience and tenacity.
The statistical insights add further layers to Judge’s impact. With a strikeout rate of 23.4%, he’s slightly above the MLB average of 22.4%, but significantly better than his own 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and his 25.1% rate in 2022. This improvement reflects his evolving discipline at the plate. Judge enjoys the platoon advantage in 26% of his plate appearances, indicating his adaptability against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.
When juxtaposed with historical performances, Judge's season assumes even greater significance. Rogers Hornsby’s 1924 season, which boasts a 222 OPS+, often serves as a high-water mark for right-handed hitters. With a 210 OPS+ in 2022, Judge is already in esteemed company. Notably, only Jimmie Foxx and Rogers Hornsby have recorded two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200 among right-handers, suggesting that Judge is on the verge of joining this exclusive club.
Judge himself remains humble amidst the adulation and growing list of accomplishments. “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 remarked. His grounded approach and focus on being a complete player speak volumes about his leadership and mindset.
As the Yankees captain, Aaron Judge’s ongoing season is not just statistically splendid; it’s also a heartfelt journey of a player striving for excellence while epitomizing sportsmanship. With 31 games left to further etch his name into baseball history, Judge’s 2023 season is a must-watch for any fan of the game.