Aaron Judge's Impressive Season: A Masterclass in Hitting
As the captain of the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge is unquestionably having a season for the ages. His performance to date has been nothing short of spectacular, capturing the attention of baseball fans and analysts alike. As of August 26, Judge boasts an impressive .333/.465/.736 line, complemented by 51 home runs and 122 RBIs. What sets this season apart isn't just the raw statistics but his dominance across multiple categories—Judge leads the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR.
With only 31 games remaining in the season, the baseball community is watching closely to see how these final numbers will shake out. Judge's projections are historic: he is on track for 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases, feats that have rarely been accomplished together in a single season. In fact, only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits, while only 29 have reached 400 total bases. The combination has been achieved just 13 times, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Judge's performance.
Judge's recent surge is particularly noteworthy. He has homered seven times in his last six games and has hit 19 home runs in the last 36 games. If he maintains this pace, he is set to finish the season with 63 home runs, surpassing his own remarkable record of 62 home runs set in 2022. It's also worth recalling that Judge hit 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017, demonstrating a consistent ability to deliver power at the plate.
Judge's offensive prowess isn't just limited to long balls. Analyzing at-bats that don't culminate in home runs reveals a .250 batting average, but his .413 on-base percentage shows a disciplined approach at the plate. Further emphasizing his season-long improvements, Judge posted a .174/.308/.337 batting line by April 23. Following that rough spell, his OPS has soared to 1.328 over 106 games, a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
Manager Aaron Boone perhaps summarized it best: “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” This sentiment captures the awe and respect felt by those privileged to watch Judge play. His consistent excellence on the field has been a cornerstone for the Yankees, and his leadership in the clubhouse adds another layer to his value as a player.
One of the most astonishing aspects of Judge's season is his strikeout rate. In 2023, Judge is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances, which is slightly above the MLB average strikeout rate of 22.4%. However, this is a marked improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and even better than the 25.1% rate he posted last year. This reduction in strikeouts has allowed Judge to become a more complete hitter, capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
Comparisons to baseball legends are inevitably drawn when discussing a season of this caliber. Rogers Hornsby's 1924 season, which had a 222 OPS+, and the accomplishments of Jimmie Foxx and Hornsby as the only right-handers to boast two seasons with an OPS+ of over 200, come to mind. Judge's 210 OPS+ in 2022 puts him in elite company and signifies a continuation of his extraordinary performance this year.
Strategically, Judge has had the platoon advantage in only 26% of his plate appearances, making his accomplishments even more impressive. His approach and success against a wide variety of pitchers demonstrate his versatility and skill.
Judge himself remains grounded despite the accolades and staggering statistics. “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,” he said. His focus on process over outcome not only speaks to his character but is likely a key factor in his incredible success.
Aaron Judge is, without a doubt, authoring one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory. His potent combination of power, patience, and resilience has elevated him to an unparalleled status in the league. As the season winds down, the baseball world watches in anticipation and admiration, aware that they are truly witnessing something special.