1961 revisited: Can 2024 Yankees slugger duo recreate M&M magic?
- August 17, 2024
- 9:52 am
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Follow UsIn the current Yankees lineup, Juan Soto finds himself in an unusual role as the supporting player to Aaron Judge‘s starring role. Judge’s extraordinary performance, better than his record-breaking 62-homer season two years ago, has somewhat eclipsed Soto’s remarkable contributions. Together, they have transformed the Yankees’ offense into a formidable force, with Soto setting the stage for Judge’s show-stopping power.
While Judge rightfully basks in the spotlight as the league’s MVP frontrunner, the Yankees captain faces stiff competition. Shohei Ohtani continues to impress with the Dodgers, and Bobby Witt Jr. is quietly having an exceptional season with the Royals, leading the league with a .349 batting average and an impressive RBI count.
The Yankees are experiencing a season with the potential to be historic, as Soto and Judge team up to form a powerhouse duo that could rival the legendary partnership of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. At just 25, Soto has exceeded expectations in New York, perfectly complementing Judge’s impressive skills in a way that even surpasses the famous Ruth and Gehrig tandem.
As the season heads into its final stretch, an extraordinary possibility emerges: Soto and Judge could become only the second pair of teammates in Yankees history—and MLB history—to each hit 50 or more home runs in a single season. This remarkable feat was last achieved by Maris and Mantle during their iconic 1961 campaign and seemed nearly unattainable until now.
Judge, with 43 home runs and having reached 300 career home runs faster than any player in baseball history, is on track to replicate his record-breaking performance from two years ago. Meanwhile, Soto, fresh off a three-homer game against the White Sox, has already amassed 34 home runs and shows no signs of slowing down.
With 40 games left, the goal of 50 home runs each may seem ambitious, but given their current form and the hitter-friendly dimensions of Yankee Stadium—especially its inviting right-field wall—this dream is within reach. Their pursuit adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling Yankees season, captivating fans and historians alike.
Soto’s recent power surge has sparked excitement about the possibility of a historic Yankees season. With six home runs in seven games, seven in 15, and 13 in 30, Soto’s impressive stats hint at a tantalizing potential if he keeps up this pace. If he maintains his current form, Soto could reach 47 home runs with just 10 games left in the regular season.
As the Yankees vie for AL East supremacy against the Orioles, the high stakes could further drive Soto’s performance. The scenario of him hitting three more home runs in the final week, replicating his recent streak, is within reach and could propel him to the 50-homer mark, possibly alongside Aaron Judge.
While this remains an optimistic outlook for Yankees fans, Soto’s trajectory makes it a realistic possibility. His hot streak, combined with the intense division race, sets the stage for a potentially unforgettable end to the season.
Yankees sluggers’ power shows drive record chase
While Judge was setting individual records, he and Soto were also making history as a duo, as noted by Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
The Yankees’ acquisition of Soto has proven to be a masterstroke, perfectly complementing Judge. Soto’s impressive .307 batting average, .438 on-base percentage, and 34 home runs have exceeded expectations, while Judge is batting a stellar .333. Both sluggers have OPS figures above 1.000, creating one of baseball’s most formidable offensive duos.
Their contributions have been instrumental in propelling the Yankees to a 72-50 record, giving them a narrow lead in the AL East, just half a game ahead of the Orioles. This tight race highlights the crucial role of their consistent production.
The dynamic between Soto and Judge has developed into a mutually supportive partnership that feels like a buddy movie. Their interactions and comments about each other reveal a deep respect and admiration.
Following Soto’s three-homer game against the White Sox, Judge praised his teammate, calling Soto the greatest hitter in the game. He highlighted Soto’s knack for capitalizing on good pitches and his patience in allowing others to step up when pitches aren’t favorable.
Judge, who could be on track for another potential 60-homer season if he remains healthy, clearly benefits from Soto’s presence in the lineup.
In turn, Soto expressed his admiration by calling Judge the greatest hitter in the world. He noted how Judge’s presence in the lineup makes his own role easier, underscoring the symbiotic nature of their partnership.
The 2024 season has been a showcase of extraordinary talent, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto leading the Yankees with remarkable performances. Judge’s numbers are staggering: 43 home runs, 110 RBIs, a .467 on-base percentage, a .707 slugging percentage, a 1.174 OPS, a .333 batting average, and 102 walks.
Despite operating in Judge’s considerable shadow, Soto’s statistics are equally impressive. He has a .438 OBP, a .615 slugging percentage, a .307 average, 34 home runs, 87 RBIs, and 102 walks. His performance places him in elite company, closely rivaling Shohei Ohtani. Although Ohtani, on the West Coast, has marginally outperformed Soto in home runs, he trails slightly in RBIs.
At just 25 years old, Soto is positioning himself for a potentially record-breaking free-agent contract. His impressive output, coupled with his youth—over four years younger than Ohtani—suggests he could command a deal that rivals or surpasses Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
The formidable pairing of Judge and Soto has drawn comparisons to legendary Yankees duos like Ruth and Gehrig, and Maris and Mantle. These iconic teams are the only Yankees teammates to have surpassed 40 home runs in a single season—a milestone now within Soto’s reach with 40 games remaining.
Aaron Boone has expressed his admiration for the duo, noting that their dominance this season is truly exceptional. Their synergy has not only revitalized the Yankees’ offense but also captivated the imaginations of fans and analysts alike.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Follow Us- Categories: 1961 Yankees, 2024 Yankees, aaron judge, Juan Soto, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris
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