The 2023 season continues to witness a spectacular performance by Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees. As of August 26, Judge is showcasing a phenomenal .333/.465/.736 line with 51 home runs and 122 RBIs, leading the league in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement). With only 31 games remaining in the season, the baseball world is captivated by his achievements.
Manager Aaron Boone encapsulates the sentiment of many fans and analysts alike, stating, “I'm kinda running out of words to say. You're witnessing greatness. You really are. He's just kinda better than everyone.” This succinctly captures the awe-inspiring nature of Judge's performance.
A Season for the Record Books
Judge's name could soon be etched in the annals of baseball history alongside some of the game's legends. He is on track to achieve 101 extra-base hits and 418 total bases by the end of the season—milestones only a select few have reached. To put this into perspective: only 15 players have ever recorded 100 extra-base hits in a season, and just 29 have amassed 400 total bases. Achieving both in a single season is a feat accomplished merely 13 times.
Judge’s consistency and formidable power at the plate have been nothing short of impressive. He has homered seven times in his last six games and 19 times in his last 36 games, putting him on pace for 63 home runs this season. Let’s not forget his remarkable past seasons either: he hit 52 home runs during his rookie season in 2017 and shattered records again with 62 home runs in 2022.
The Statistics Behind the Slugger
Diving deeper into the numbers reveals even more about Judge's extraordinary performance. Despite his remarkable home run tally, his batting average in at-bats that don't end in home runs stands at .250, with an on-base percentage of .413. After a somewhat sluggish start where his batting line was .174/.308/.337 by April 23, Judge turned things around dramatically. In the 106 games following April 23, his OPS soared to an extraordinary 1.328.
However, the season hasn't been without its challenges. Judge is striking out in 23.4% of his plate appearances this season, slightly above the Major League Baseball average of 22.4%. Yet, this is a marked improvement from his 30.7% strikeout rate in 2017 and 25.1% rate in 2022.
Comparatively, Aaron Judge's performance this season invites comparisons to historical greats like Rogers Hornsby and Jimmie Foxx. Hornsby’s 1924 season had a 222 OPS+, a benchmark that very few have approached. Judge, with a 210 OPS+ in 2022, already joins the elite ranks of right-handers such as Foxx and Hornsby who have posted more than one season with an OPS+ over 200.
Judge's Approach and Team Impact
Judge's magical season is driven by more than raw numbers; his mentality and approach to the game play significant roles. “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 on his journey.
A noteworthy aspect of Judge’s season is his platoon advantage, which he has enjoyed in only 26% of his plate appearances. This indicates his effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers, an attribute that underscores his versatility and prowess at the plate.
As the season winds down, all eyes will remain on Aaron Judge. With every swing of the bat, he not only edges closer to personal milestones but also offers Yankees fans a beacon of hope for postseason aspirations. This year, Judge isn't just playing baseball; he's redefining what it means to be exceptional in the sport.