Aaron Judge needs no introduction to the world of baseball. The New York Yankees captain is unarguably one of the greatest hitters of this generation, having won multiple batting titles and All-Star recognition in his brief major league career. However, even the greatest players had their weak moments.
The New York Yankees superstar was no indifferent was he stepped foot into the realms of New York sports in 2017. His swing, that many top tier pitchers fear these days, was once so terrible that Aaron Judge had to work extra hours into setting the pieces together. But once, he cracked the code, a beast developed from the shadows.
Aaron Judge’s Swing Transformation Changed His Fortunes In MLB
Aaron Judge’s evolution from a struggling rookie to MLB’s premier hitter is a remarkable journey defined by hard work and adaptation. In 2016, Judge debuted with a dismal .609 OPS and a staggering 50% strikeout rate, revealing significant flaws in his swing. Recognizing the need for change, he enlisted the help of hitting instructor Richard Schenck. Their sessions focused on refining Judge’s mechanics, emphasizing quick bat speed and proper loading techniques. Schenck recalls Judge’s initial struggles during their drills. “His swing was terrible. He had an amateur swing,” he said. Despite this, Judge was determined to improve. “If this is what got me.179, I think making a change would hopefully get me better,” Judge recalled.
After 23 focused sessions, Aaron Judge’s swing began to show marked improvement, culminating in a stellar 2017 season where he hit 52 home runs and won the AL Rookie of the Year Award. Fast forward to 2024, Aaron Judge has transformed into a hitting powerhouse, leading the league with a 218 wRC+—the highest for a right-handed batter in MLB history. His stats include 58 home runs and an OPS of 1.159, showcasing his mastery of the strike zone and exceptional ability to adapt to various pitch types. Judge’s philosophy emphasizes hitting line drives rather than solely focusing on home runs, a strategy that has yielded impressive results. Not only that, Judge’s meticulous attention to detail allows him to detect even minor flaws in his swing, showcasing his perfectionist mindset. His impressive adaptability against all pitch types, particularly sliders, has solidified his reputation as a hitter who can dominate the game.
Aaron Judge-Juan Soto Recreate Iconic Franchise Feat
In a historic achievement, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the New York Yankees became the first teammates in MLB history to each tally over 120 walks and 120 runs in the same season. This milestone highlights their remarkable performances during the 2024 season where both achieved career best numbers.
Aaron Judge hit .322 with 58 home runs and 144 RBI, while Juan Soto recorded a .288 average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBI. Their combined statistics made them one of the most potent hitting duos in baseball, ranking among the top five in the American League for several key metrics, including home runs, runs, and OPS.
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