Aaron Judge on verge of joining elite Yankees club, finds inspiration in Winfield, Jeter, CC
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Follow UsAaron Judge led the league in several key offensive categories during the regular season. His numbers included 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, a .458 on-base percentage, and a .701 slugging percentage. The slugger also led in walks with 133 and posted an OPS+ of 223, further underscoring his dominance at the plate.
At 32, Aaron Judge is a leading contender for the American League MVP award, an accolade he previously earned in 2022. The decision will be made by 30 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with two representatives from each AL market casting votes. The winner will be announced live on MLB Network on Thursday at approximately 6:15 p.m.
His 2024 MVP bid places him in a tight race against Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and his Yankees teammate Juan Soto. Each contender boasts an impressive resume, with Soto’s contributions further spotlighted in broader discussions of his impact on the team.
If Aaron Judge secures the honor, he will join an elite group of Yankees who have earned multiple MVP titles. The prestigious roster includes: Alex Rodriguez (2005, 2007), Roger Maris (1960, 1961), Mickey Mantle (1956, 1957, 1962), Yogi Berra (1951, 1954, 1955), Joe DiMaggio (1939, 1941, 1947), and Lou Gehrig (1927, 1936). Babe Ruth missed the bus after winning the MVP award in 1923, as he was ineligible for additional awards.
With Aaron Judge potentially joining this iconic lineup, the announcement is eagerly awaited as a defining moment in Yankees history.
Jeter, CC inspire Aaron Judge’s charity works
Speaking at his All Rise Foundation’s annual gala Monday, Aaron Judge reflected on the inspiration behind the charitable organization he co-founded with his mother six years ago. Judge credited Yankees legend Dave Winfield as an early influence, citing his father’s admiration for Winfield’s philanthropic efforts through his own foundation.
“My inspiration for starting the foundation really started [with] all the guys who came before me,” the Yankees captain said. “My dad was a big Dave Winfield fan, and I knew a lot about Dave Winfield and he had a foundation.”
Aaron Judge also acknowledged the example set by former Yankees stars like Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia, who prioritized giving back to the community alongside their professional achievements. He noted that conversations with his mother in 2018 about creating a positive community impact led to the establishment of the All Rise Foundation, which has steadily expanded its outreach through 2024.
“You know, Derek Jeter, CC Sabathia, guys before me, they all had foundations and they continued even after they made it,” he added. “You know got their big contracts, did everything they could, All-Stars, MVPs, everything like that, Cy Youngs, they still try to give back to the next generation. So I saw that as a kid, I saw that coming up through the minor leagues. Really just, my mom and I just a lot of late nights talking about how we can continue to help. And this was in the works in 2018, now it is 2024 and it is amazing to see it grow.”
The foundation continues a long tradition of Yankees players making an impact off the field. Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, started early in his career, focuses on helping youth overcome addiction challenges. Meanwhile, Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation has supported numerous programs for children, including educational initiatives and recreational opportunities throughout New York.
Aaron Judge emphasized the importance of following in these footsteps, blending professional success with a commitment to charitable work that leaves a lasting legacy.
Aaron Judge and Soto team up in 2025?
The most notable absence at the Aaron Judge’s All Rise Foundation gala was that of Juan Soto. However, the Yankees captain knows that his legacy in Monument Park remains incomplete without a World Series championship, a gap that could hinge on the Yankees’ pursuit of free agent Juan Soto.
After the Yankees’ crushing World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5, Aaron Judge praised Soto’s relentless dedication and impact throughout the season. The somber mood in the clubhouse was compounded by uncertainty surrounding Soto’s impending free agency, with the star outfielder garnering interest across the league.
“I’m proud of the year that Juan had. It was fun to come to work with him every single day,’’ he said.
Yankees executives, including Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman, have reportedly begun exploratory discussions with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. Similar meetings have been held with other suitors, including the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers, with the Phillies reportedly next on the agenda.
The age difference between the two sluggers underscores the stakes—Aaron Judge turns 33 in April, while Soto, at just 26, partnered with him to deliver a historic 2024 campaign. The duo became only the third pair of Yankees teammates to each hit 40 or more home runs in a season, joining legendary tandems Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle (1961) and Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, who achieved the feat three times.
While Aaron Judge is favored to secure the AL MVP award, Soto has emerged as the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offseason ambitions, potentially shaping the trajectory of the team’s future.
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- Categories: aaron judge, cc sabathia, derek jeter, gerrit cole, Juan Soto, Mickey Mantle
- Tags: aaron judge, cc sabathia, derek jeter, gerrit cole, Juan Soto, Mickey Mantle
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