Yankees’ Aaron Judge caps historic season with another MLB milestone

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Aaron Judge watched from the dugout as the New York Yankees closed out their regular season with a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, capping the year with a 94-68 record. A cautious manager Aaron Boone opted to sit star outfielder Aaron Judge due to wet field conditions, choosing to prioritize his health ahead of the upcoming Division Series. With no playoff implications on the line, Boone made the call to rest him rather than risk injury.

With it, Aaron Judge’s MVP-caliber season officially ended with standout numbers: a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, and 144 RBIs, along with a .458 on-base percentage and a .701 slugging percentage. These stats have positioned him as a strong contender for his second Most Valuable Player award.

One of Aaron Judge’s most impressive feats was his slugging percentage, which surpassed .700—a milestone no player had achieved in a single season since Barry Bonds in 2004. This was highlighted on social media as the best performance in the post-steroid era.

Bonds, who dominated the early 2000s, was the last to reach that level of power, but Aaron Judge has now etched his name alongside him. Even during his record-setting 2022 campaign, where he hit 62 home runs, the Yankees captain’s slugging percentage came close at .686 but fell just short of the .700 benchmark—an achievement he finally reached this season.

In 2024, Aaron Judge reached new heights, delivering a season reminiscent of the dominance seen during Barry Bonds’ prime. As he continues to redefine expectations, his impact on the Yankees is immeasurable, with fans and analysts alike running out of ways to praise his all-around contributions.

According to Sarah Langs, Aaron Judge also recorded 218 wRC+, the highest in a season for a right-handed bat with a minimum of 500 PA. This also equals Babe Ruth’s 2021 feat and stands as the seventh-best in MLB for all.

Aaron Judge’s abilities are unmatched. He combines the rare talent of hitting for both average and power, leading all offensive players across the league. Beyond his stats, he has emerged as a vital leader for the Yankees. His all-around game leaves little room for critique.

With the postseason approaching, Aaron Judge will be a key factor in the Yankees’ pursuit of their 28th World Series championship, set to begin next weekend.

Though he had a slow start by his own standards, Aaron Judge hit his stride and was a dominant force for much of the season. At one point, it looked like he might break his own American League home run record of 62, set in 2022. He finished with 58 home runs, tied for the 12th-highest single-season total in MLB history.

Aaron Judge also became the first player since Prince Fielder in 2009 to drive in 140 or more runs, cementing his place among Yankees greats. He became just the ninth player in franchise history to surpass that RBI mark, a feat last achieved by Alex Rodriguez in 2007.

In today’s game, Aaron Judge is widely regarded as baseball’s top power hitter and offensive force. Since his debut in 2017, he has led the Majors in the “barrel” statistic, which measures balls hit with ideal exit velocity and launch angle for extra-base hits. In 2024, Aaron Judge recorded 104 barrels, leading the league. His career total of 531 barrels since 2017 far outpaces any other player, with Shohei Ohtani trailing at 404.

Aaron Judge’s chance to make another history

Since his 2017 debut, Aaron Judge’s career with the New York Yankees has been nothing short of extraordinary. Year after year, he has outshined his teammates and established himself as the face of the franchise.

Yet, despite his dominance in the regular season, Aaron Judge has yet to make his mark in October. He has not led the Yankees to a World Series appearance, and without a memorable postseason run, it’s difficult to label him a proven winner at this point in his career.

The 2024 season, however, could mark a shift. Aaron Judge has reached new levels of excellence, arguably becoming the top player in the game today. His statistics speak for themselves: a .325 batting average, a .461 on-base percentage, and a .708 slugging percentage, along with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs. It’s a season that compares to the all-time greats, drawing comparisons to the best years of Barry Bonds.

In the rich history of the Yankees, though, legends are made in the postseason. For all of Aaron Judge’s accomplishments, the chance to secure his place alongside Yankees icons comes this October. The pressure and intensity of postseason baseball offer him the opportunity to solidify his legacy.

This year’s postseason carries added weight for the Yankees. Both Aaron Judge and ace Gerrit Cole have been crucial to the team’s success, and while they continue to perform at the highest levels, there is a recognition that their prime years are not infinite. The Yankees have invested heavily in these two superstars, and with the clock ticking in their peak years, 2024 represents a critical moment for the organization.

Juan Soto’s impending free agency adds a layer of urgency for the Yankees as they enter the postseason. This may be their only chance to win a championship with Soto in the lineup, and the team’s success could play a pivotal role in his future decision. A World Series title would make it harder for Soto to leave, while an early exit might push him to explore other opportunities.

As the spotlight shifts to Aaron Judge, the pressure intensifies. Despite his regular-season dominance, Judge has struggled to replicate that success in October. In 44 playoff games and around 200 plate appearances, he has posted a .211 batting average, a .310 on-base percentage, and a .462 slugging percentage. While he’s hit 13 home runs, his power has often been overshadowed by 66 strikeouts and a tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone, limiting his overall impact at the plate.

Still, there’s optimism that Aaron Judge, currently in peak form, can break through this postseason. Soto’s presence in the lineup may offer Judge some protection, but opponents will likely continue to be selective in how they pitch to him.

A dominant playoff run by Aaron Judge, one that results in an AL pennant or World Series title, would silence any lingering doubts about his postseason performance. It would also cement his place among the greatest Yankees in history, addressing the main criticism of his career and elevating him to legendary status.

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