With a 4-2 loss on Monday, the New York Yankees level five-game ALDS series 1-1 against the Kansas City Royals. Aaron Judge, the captain and AL’s best slugger of the season, went 1-for-3 with an infield single. For the second straight playoff game, the captain failed to deliver on the plate.
Aaron Judge is the heart of the New York Yankees offense. Hence, when he’s having a bad day, it reflects on the entire offensive lineup. Meanwhile, for Judge, the postseason struggled goes way beyond the present ALDS series. His playoff bust narrative is picking up more strength which is not a good sign for the Yankees.
Aaron Judge Scripts Unwanted Playoff History With Glaring Strikeout Rate
Aaron Judge’s postseason struggles were once again on display in the New York Yankees’ 4-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the ALDS. Judge struck out in a key first-inning at-bat, part of a pattern that has plagued his playoff career. His postseason strikeout rate is glaring, with 69 strikeouts in 203 plate appearances, making him one of the most strikeout-prone batters in playoff history among those with significant at-bats. Despite a stellar regular season, Aaron Judge couldn’t deliver in key moments. Although he managed to go 1-for-3 with an infield single and a walk, his inability to capitalize on prime opportunities hurt the Yankees’ chances on Monday.
Interestingly, Aaron Judge’s struggles in the playoffs have been a consistent theme throughout his career. Entering the game, he had a .206/.307/.451 line in 203 postseason plate appearances, with 13 home runs but also a troubling 69 strikeouts. Despite an MVP-caliber regular season in 2024, where Aaron Judge led the league in several offensive categories, including home runs (58), RBI (144), and WAR (10.8), his playoff performances have not matched up. Judge himself has acknowledged the pressure he feels to bring a championship to New York, which may be contributing to his struggles. Having said that, for the New York Yankees to make a serious World Series push, they need Judge to find his rhythm in the postseason and translate his regular-season dominance into October success. His playoff success will also determine his legacy as a Yankee legend.
Judge Denies Five-Day Rest Affecting His Game In ALDS
Aaron Judge’s struggles in the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals have been a focal point for the New York Yankees. Despite these challenges, Judge rejected the idea that the Yankees’ bye after the Wild Card round impacted his timing. “I wouldn’t say the bye has anything to do with it,” Judge said in a post-game press meet with reporters.
While Judge hasn’t hit a home run yet, he remains focused on contributing to the team’s efforts. He acknowledged his dissatisfaction with his performance but highlighted the importance of getting on base for his teammates. After finally recording his first hit in the series, Judge raised his average to .333. “If I’m not hitting 1.000, I’m not feeling good,” he added.
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