Aaron Judge has firmly established himself as one of baseball’s elite players, with his name consistently mentioned in MVP conversations. Whether seen as the frontrunner or one of the league’s top contenders, Judge’s performance this season has left little room for debate. He’s been a driving force for the Yankees, both in terms of his individual stats and his growing leadership role within the clubhouse.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has witnessed firsthand how Judge has embraced his captaincy since being named the 16th captain in franchise history in 2023.
“I’ve seen him grow incrementally in his leadership… the guys love him,” Boone said recently.
Aaron Judge’s influence extends beyond the field — he’s become a guiding figure for the team, playing a crucial role in helping Juan Soto adapt to the Yankees following his midseason arrival. Judge’s leadership has been vital in ensuring that Soto, who faced high expectations after joining the team, found his rhythm quickly, adding depth to the Yankees’ powerful lineup.
Breaking records
On the field, Aaron Judge continues to make history. With 57 home runs already this season, his power-hitting prowess has been a key part of the Yankees’ success. But it’s not just his ability to hit the long ball that has defined his season. This year, he joined an exclusive club of Yankees players who have reached base 319 times in a single season. Only two others have achieved this milestone since 1938:
- Mickey Mantle, who reached base 319 times in 1957.
- Derek Jeter, who did so 322 times in 1999.
Now, Aaron Judge has matched Mantle’s mark with 319 times on base — and counting — in 2024.
Aaron Judge’s excellence this season isn’t limited to home runs and getting on base. He’s also leading the league in RBIs, becoming the first Yankee since 2009 to reach 140 RBIs in a season. His numbers are eye-popping across the board. He leads the majors in walks with 130, his on-base percentage sits at a staggering .459, and his slugging percentage is .699. His OPS+ of 222 is one of the highest in baseball, and he’s racked up 383 total bases while boasting a bWAR of 10.4. These statistics don’t just reflect a strong season — they speak to a player at the peak of his powers.
Up next
With Aaron Judge anchoring the lineup, the Yankees are poised for a postseason run. Currently sitting at 92-66, the team is just one win away from clinching the AL East title. Their next opportunity comes Thursday when they face the Baltimore Orioles, with Gerrit Cole set to take on Corbin Burnes in a pivotal matchup. For the Yankees, securing the division title would be a testament to their resilience this season, a campaign in which they’ve faced high expectations, injury challenges, and mounting pressure.
As the Yankees prepare for Thursday’s 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge once again. With a remarkable season already in the books, the captain now looks to lead the Bronx Bombers to a division title and possibly much more as they gear up for a deep postseason run.
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