Even as the New York Yankees wade through one of their most turbulent stretches in recent memory, Aaron Judge continues to etch his name into the club’s storied record books—one towering home run at a time. His hit his 33rd home run of the season to lead the Yankees to a 6-4 win over the Mets.
With 33 home runs through the first week of July and a 7.0 WAR, Judge is now tracking ahead of his historic 2022 MVP season pace and rapidly closing in on some of the franchise’s most exclusive milestones. If he maintains his current pace, Judge could realistically challenge Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, and even his own single-season mark—all while the Yankees scramble for stability in a crumbling AL East race.
Among Yankees legends now
With his 33rd home run, Judge joins rare Yankees company. Only Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris have produced this kind of offensive consistency, at least 33 home runs in the 90 games in a single season.
Judge is also leading Major League Baseball in OPS, home runs, and slugging percentage. As of July 6, his OPS stands at a league-best 1.202, and his slugging percentage is pushing an eye-popping .734.
“It’s just incredible,” teammate Paul Goldschmidt said. “You know it’s coming, and there’s still nothing you can do to stop it.”
A red-hot July launches historic surge
Judge ended the week batting .455 with four home runs, eight RBIs, and a jaw-dropping 1.727 OPS. His hot streak in the first week of July marks one of the most dominant weeks by any major leaguer this season. More impressively, it comes as the Yankees are battling a slew of injuries, defensive lapses, and bullpen instability.
“You just try to stay present, lock in on every pitch,” Judge said after the Subway Series finale. “Whether we’re winning or losing, the goal’s the same—be ready for the moment.”
That moment seems to keep finding him. With 33 home runs already logged, Judge is on pace to hit 61 by the end of the regular season—mirroring the iconic number set by Roger Maris in 1961 and the one Judge himself surpassed in 2022 with 62.
Judge making history at season’s midpoint
Judge’s first-half production places him in rarified air among baseball’s all-time greats. His .361 batting average with 33 home runs through early July puts him in company with just eight other players since 1900 who have maintained a .360+ average with 28+ homers through 81 team games.
That elite group includes Babe Ruth (1921, 1927), Lou Gehrig (1927), Jimmie Foxx (1932), Ted Williams (1941), Mickey Mantle (1956), and Frank Robinson (1966). Ruth set the record for total bases in 1921. Mantle won the Triple Crown in 1956. Williams hit .406 that magical summer of 1941.
Judge’s current trajectory projects to 11.9 bWAR – a figure only five position players in baseball history have achieved or surpassed. His 222 OPS+ ranks seventh all-time, trailing only Barry Bonds’ steroid-era peaks and Ted Williams’ 1957 masterpiece.
Breaking franchise records left and right
Judge has already shattered multiple Yankees milestones this season. His 44 career multi-homer games moved him past Lou Gehrig (43) for third place in franchise history, trailing only Mickey Mantle (46) and Babe Ruth (68).
On April 4, playing in his 1,000th game as a Yankee, Judge belted his 321st home run to equal Babe Ruth’s record for home runs in a player’s first 1,000 games with the franchise. He’s since passed that mark while maintaining a torrid pace that has him on track to challenge Mantle’s franchise record this season.
The captain has reached 30 home runs before the All-Star break for the fourth time in his career, joining Mark McGwire as the only players to accomplish this feat four times. He’s also reached base multiple times in 50 of his 65 games this season, joining Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig as the only Yankees to achieve this in the modern era.
“Any time you get mentioned with those guys, what they’ve done in the game and the careers they’ve had, it’s pretty special,” Judge said after tying Gehrig’s multi-homer record earlier this season.
More than just power
Judge’s impact isn’t just in the box scores. Defensively, he remains one of the most reliable right fielders in baseball. His leadership has become increasingly visible as the team stumbles—whether it’s breaking up arguments, mentoring younger players, or simply staying composed amid the pressure.
Manager Aaron Boone summed it up last week:
“Judgey is that steady heartbeat for this team. He never gets too high or too low. And that matters when things get tough.”
In the Subway Series, Judge not only launched his 33rd homer but also made a diving catch in right field that preserved a two-run lead in the sixth inning—one of several game-saving plays in a much-needed 6-4 win over the Mets.
One eye on history, one on the pennant
Despite the Yankees falling out of first place after a 6-game skid, Judge’s surge has kept them in contention. They trail the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East but remain within striking distance with over 70 games left.
If Judge keeps producing at this clip, he could become the first player in Yankees history with multiple 60-homer seasons—an accomplishment not even Ruth or Maris achieved.
Baseball-Reference currently projects Judge to finish with 61 HR, 140 RBIs, and a WAR of 11.3, which would rank among the top five individual seasons in franchise history.
What truly separates Judge’s 2025 from many other elite power seasons is his all-around value. His 7.0 WAR entering July puts him atop the league, ahead of fellow superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto.
In fact, Judge is producing wins at a faster rate than in his 2022 MVP campaign, when he finished with 62 homers and a 10.6 WAR. That year was historic. This one is trending legendary.
“Judge isn’t just having a good year—he’s carrying a team in crisis,” said one AL scout. “He’s doing it with his bat, his glove, and his presence. That’s rare.”
Judge’s 2025 campaign has reached levels that demand historical comparison. His current pace projects to numbers that would rank among the greatest offensive seasons in baseball history, regardless of era.
More importantly for Yankees fans, Judge is cementing his status as a franchise legend. Already the fastest player to 300 home runs in MLB history (955 games), he’s building a resume that places him alongside the greatest Yankees of all time.
As the second half approaches, the Yankees will need every ounce of Judge’s firepower. The club is still dealing with uncertainty in its rotation and a crowded infield picture. But as long as No. 99 is anchoring the order, the Yankees remain dangerous.
And every swing brings another record closer.
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