In a suspenseful encounter on Tuesday night, the New York Yankees experienced a narrow 5-4 defeat at the hands of the visiting Cincinnati Reds. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, but one player consistently shone brighter than the rest: Aaron Judge.
Judge delivered a stellar performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate and hitting his 32nd home run of the season. This home run is particularly noteworthy as it matches the speed at which he achieved the same milestone last year, hitting his 32nd homer on July 16. Judge’s prowess at the plate has been a cornerstone of the Yankees’ offensive strategy, and his consistency continues to be a beacon for the team.
Setting records has become almost routine for Judge. In the 2022 season, he set the American League record with a phenomenal 62 home runs. As of Tuesday night, Judge is not just leading the Yankees, but he's also dominating the major leagues with his impressive .321 batting average, 32 home runs, and 83 RBIs.
The Pursuit of the Triple Crown
These statistics have sparked conversations about Judge’s potential to achieve the Triple Crown, a rare and esteemed accomplishment in baseball. The Triple Crown, awarded to a player who leads the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs, hasn't been claimed since Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers did so in 2012. Prior to Cabrera, Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski won the Triple Crown in 1967, and before him, it was Joe Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937 in the National League.
Should Judge continue his trajectory, he may add his name to this elite list, marking a monumental achievement in his already illustrious career.
Judge vs. Ohtani: The OPS Battle
In addition to his Triple Crown chase, Judge boasts an OPS of 1.158, showcasing his superiority at the plate. Comparatively, Shohei Ohtani, a notable competitor in the National League, has an OPS over 100 points lower than Judge's, highlighting just how significant Judge’s performance has been this season.
Interestingly, although Steven Kwan holds a higher batting average at .362, he hasn’t yet achieved qualifying status due to missing more than three weeks with a hamstring strain. This leaves Judge comfortably positioned as the major league leader in several key statistical categories.
The Impact on the Yankees
For the Yankees, Judge’s contributions are invaluable. His ability to consistently perform at an elite level not only boosts his personal statistics but also galvanizes the team. Whether it’s a pivotal home run or an RBI in a clutch situation, Judge’s presence on the field has a ripple effect, driving the performance of those around him.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Aaron Judge to see if he can maintain this blistering pace and perhaps accomplish the rare feat of clinching the Triple Crown. With a long stretch of the season still ahead, continued excellence from Judge could be crucial for the Yankees’ aspirations.
The Tuesday night close loss to the Reds may have been a setback for the Yankees, but with Judge’s formidable form, the team remains a potent force poised to challenge any opponent. His exceptional ability to lead in the clubhouse and dominate on the field makes him a central figure in the narrative of this year’s MLB season.