Toronto — Aaron Judge might not receive many hittable pitches. But he continues making New York Yankees history with each trip to first base.
Thursday night’s 8-5 defeat to the Blue Jays saw Judge earn his 23rd intentional walk of the season. The mark ties a franchise single-season record established by Mickey Mantle in 1957. Judge reached Mantle’s total before the All-Star break. Mantle required a full season to achieve the same number.
Toronto deliberately walked the Yankees’ captain five times across the four-game series. This represents a first in the Yankees’ franchise history. Judge drew eight total walks during the series. He went 6-for-10 with one home run and two doubles. The Blue Jays’ approach frustrated fans but proved effective. They completed a sweep and pushed New York from first place in the AL East.
Judge’s impact felt even without the bat
Aaron Judge maintains his dominance across all offensive categories despite fewer scoring opportunities. The 2025 MVP frontrunner posts a slash line of .364/.474/.734. He has belted 31 home runs while driving in 70 RBI and scoring 78 runs through 87 games. Judge currently paces the American League with 64 walks. Twenty-three come via intentional passes.
Thursday marked his seventh consecutive game drawing at least one walk. The streak demonstrates the reverence and concern he generates from opposing pitchers.
A veteran AL scout noted that teams typically avoid challenging hitters with such elite averages to prevent becoming part of highlight packages.
Walking into the record books
Judge has built a reputation for drawing free passes. He established a career-high 133 walks in 2024. This followed 111 walks during his historic 2022 MVP campaign and 127 in his 2017 rookie season. His current pace surpasses anything achieved by Yankees legends.
Mickey Mantle’s 1957 season followed his MVP year when he launched 52 home runs. Mantle concluded that the campaign led the league with 146 total walks. Twenty-three were intentional. Judge now matches that intentional walk total at the season’s halfway point.
The frequency of intentional walks reflects Judge’s elite production. It also highlights the Yankees’ inconsistent lineup protection. Teams often feel comfortable putting Judge on base without consequences.
MVP race heating up
The Yankees suddenly face adversity following Toronto’s four-game sweep. Judge’s performance remains one of their few reliable elements. His .363 batting average leads Major League Baseball. His OPS approaches historic levels.
Toronto walked Judge more than they pitched to him. The numbers still favored the Yankees slugger. Those walks may have limited his swing opportunities. They also secured his place in franchise history.
Judge now stands alongside the Yankees’ greatest players. He has joined Mickey Mantle in the record books once again.
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