Coming from a toe injury that spoiled his 1/3rd of the 2023 season, expectations were less from Aaron Judge this year. He made it clear that his toe would require maintenance, and the .171 average in April brought the team’s worst fears to reality. However, what followed next raked up the league’s history books.
Aaron Judge went on a complete rampage in May to record the finest offensive stretch ever witnessed in baseball. He also hit a home run almost every other day, which now sets him on the pace to eclipse the league-high single-season record. However, Judge would rather have a much bigger price than the homer record.
Aaron Judge Eyes World Series Amid Record Home Run Spree
New York Yankees elite slugger Aaron Judge scripted history and became immortal in the MLB by surpassing the all-time high single-season home run record in 2022 when he went yard as many as 62 times. While the record appeared freak and once a lifeline achievement, Judge, being one of the most feared hitters in the league, is on the path to recreating something similar this year. He scored his 48th season home run on Thursday and is now on the path to achieving as many as 60 home runs by the end of the year. If so happens, Judge would be the only third MLB hitter and first Yankee to hit 60+ home runs in multiple seasons.
However, the prized World Series trophy excited Aaron Judge more than any personal record. “If it comes with a ring and a lot of fun in the playoffs, then definitely that would be cool,” Judge said. The New York Yankees haven’t won a ring in the past 15 years despite coming close on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, for Judge, earning a ring is important for his legacy as a captain in the storied franchise. As Derek Jeter’s successor, Judge is expected to achieve at least a couple of rings before he hangs his bat. And the captain has precisely 8 years to achieve that glory, as his contract is set to expire in 2031. Overall, as the New York Yankees push toward the postseason, Judge’s performance will be crucial. But for him, the homers are just a means to an end, as winning a World Series is the ultimate goal.
Aaron Boone Unsurprised With Aaron Judge’s Remarkable Season
Aaron Judge is inching closer to phenomenal history with his second 60+ home run season in two years, and his skipper, Aaron Boone, is backing him to achieve the milestone. “Anything’s possible with him. Nothing would surprise me,” Boone said in the post-game interview after a 6-0 victory against Guardians.
On the other hand, Gerrit Cole also referred to Aaron Judge as a one-of-a-kind hitter and is grateful to be on the same team with him. Also, Giancarlo Stanton labeled Judge’s spell as ‘out of this world’ and is looking forward to a noteworthy finish in the impeding fix weeks. “This last bit here has been unreal, and so will this next five weeks,” Stanton said.
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