Aaron Judge has firmly established himself as the premier power hitter of the 2020s, leading Major League Baseball with 205 home runs during this decade. As the captain of the New York Yankees, Judge’s combination of consistency and raw power at the plate has set him apart in an era rich with talent.
Aaron Judge’s power defines this decade in MLB HR
Following Aaron Judge is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgerss, who has hit 185 home runs in the same period. Ohtani’s dual-role contributions as both a pitcher and hitter have captivated baseball fans worldwide, placing him among the elite in offensive performance.
Completing the top five home run hitters of the 2020s are Kyle Schwarber (174), Pete Alonso (173), and Matt Olson (170). Each of these players brings a unique slugging prowess to the game, enhancing the competitive landscape of modern baseball.
Judge’s position at the top of this list underscores his health and dominance in recent seasons. His record-breaking 62-home-run campaign in 2022 was a defining moment, solidifying his reputation as the premier slugger of his generation. Despite occasional injuries, Judge continues to be the cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup and a driving force in their offense.
Aaron Judge: The Greatest HR hitter of all time?
Aaron Judge’s 2024 season with the New York Yankees was nothing short of historic. He achieved a .322 batting average, leading the Major Leagues with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, and an impressive 1.159 OPS.
This performance earned him his second American League Most Valuable Player Award, unanimously awarded by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Aaron Judge’s power at the plate is evident when comparing his home run rate to some of baseball’s greatest sluggers. He averages 51 home runs per 162 games, surpassing legends like Barry Bonds (41), Hank Aaron (37), and Babe Ruth (46). Only Mark McGwire, with 50 home runs per 162 games, comes close to Judge’s pace.
The era in which Aaron Judge plays further underscores his achievements. Facing pitchers who consistently throw high-velocity fastballs and a variety of breaking pitches, Judge has excelled. In 2024, he faced 301 different pitchers, a significant increase compared to the number faced by sluggers in previous eras, such as Ruth in 1927 (64 pitchers) and Aaron in 1957 (89 pitchers).
While Aaron Judge’s at-bats per home run ratio stands at 11.31, second only to McGwire’s 10.61, it’s important to consider the context of today’s game. The current era emphasizes home runs, walks, and strikeouts more than ever before. Despite this, Judge’s consistency and power set him apart from his contemporaries.
Comparisons to past legends like Babe Ruth highlight the unique challenges and advantages of each era. Ruth dominated his peers in the 1920s, often hitting more home runs than entire teams. However, the level of competition and advancements in pitching make Aaron Judge’s accomplishments particularly noteworthy.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Yankees are set to begin their Spring Training schedule, with the first game against the Tampa Bay Rays on February 21. Fans eagerly anticipate Aaron Judge’s continued contributions and leadership in the upcoming season.
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