Aaron Judge overtakes Pujols, sets MLB’s best on-base record not seen since 1900

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Aaron Judge has rewritten baseball’s record books once more. By reaching base 126 times before May’s conclusion, the New York Yankees star has surpassed every hitter dating back to at least 1900. He established a modern standard that even Hall of Fame legends Albert Pujols and Jason Giambi never achieved.

Elias Sports verified this achievement, crowning Judge as the most dominant on-base performer during any season’s opening two months in more than 125 years. His 2025 performance transcends impressive statistics. It represents generational excellence.

Judge’s 126 on-base total encompasses hits, walks, and hit-by-pitch occurrences. This figure topped Pujols’ 121 in 2008 and Giambi’s 120 in 2001. The pace positions the Yankees captain atop statistical rankings while reinforcing his status as contemporary baseball’s defining figure.

Relentless consistency, historic power

Judge currently maintains a stunning .311 batting average while pacing Major League Baseball in home runs through June 1. He is tied for the MLB lead with 131 RBIs, showcasing remarkable offensive consistency. After approximately 50 games, he combines 2022’s power surge with his career-best plate discipline. Three multi-homer performances already dot his 2025 resume, and his home run output exceeds the next-closest competitor by 16 longballs—the largest gap since Philadelphia Athletics’ Jimmie Foxx hit 58 in 1932 while Yankees’ Babe Ruth managed 41.

His plate consistency has anchored the Yankees’ 2025 resurgence. Despite rotation and bullpen injury concerns, Judge’s reliable presence in the lineup’s heart provides both offensive firepower and emotional stability.

Historic duel in LA: Judge vs. Ohtani

The late-May Dodgers-Yankees series delivered a rare baseball spectacle featuring reigning MVPs performing on the same stage. Judge and Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani homered during Friday’s opening game first inning, creating MLB history as the first reigning league MVP to go deep in the same game’s opening frame.

“I feel like he was copying me, I started it off,” Judge joked postgame. “He’s impressive. One of the best players in the game for a reason.”

Judge compiled a 5-for-13 series with three homers at Dodger Stadium, cementing his reputation as a performer who elevates during spotlight moments. Even during the Yankees’ crushing 18-2 Game 2 defeat, the Yankees captain homered twice, securing a 3-2 series home run advantage over Ohtani.

National attention amplified what Yankees supporters already understood. Judge remains baseball’s premier power attraction, now adding elite contact ability to his arsenal.

Averages not seen since the Golden Age

Judge’s current .311 batting average enters historic territory. No full-time hitter has approached the legendary .400 threshold since Tony Gwynn hit .394 in 1994 or Larry Walker reached .379 in 2000. With the All-Star break approaching, the Yankees’ current captain transforms that seemingly impossible pursuit into a genuine possibility.

No player has achieved a .400 season since Ted Williams accomplished the feat in 1941. Judge now combines elite contact with league-leading exit velocity and pitch recognition, making .400 discussions more than wishful thinking.

The six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger have built an impressive resume since winning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 with 52 home runs. His most memorable season came in 2022 when he smashed 62 home runs to break Roger Maris‘ American League record of 61 set in 1961.

Carrying the baseball torch

Judge enters his third season of a nine-year, $360 million agreement, delivering a performance that exceeds even these massive expectations. His $40 million annual average ranks as MLB’s sixth-largest contract in history.

Only Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto — now with the Mets have secured larger deals. However, none match Judge’s 2025 production levels.

His offensive explosion arrives during a critical moment for Major League Baseball. In a sport seeking marketable superstars, he has responded with grace, determination, and generational performance.

The Yankees, currently engaged in a competitive AL East battle, rely heavily on Judge while navigating a challenging postseason landscape. His bat provides more than statistical damage. It elevates an entire organization.

Big Yankees hope ahead

If Judge maintains his current trajectory, he could accumulate over 230 times on base by July’s end. These numbers echo Barry Bonds during his prime years. Unlike Bonds, Judge achieves this through traditional slugger appeal, towering home runs, and compelling leadership qualities.

The upcoming months could define both this Yankees season and Judge’s legacy. Another MVP campaign remains well within reach. Should he achieve a .400 history, it would place him among baseball’s most exclusive company.

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