3 games have passed in the seven-game 2024 World Series, and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is yet to break out of his slump. The AL-MVP front-runner is struggling to cope with playoff pressure, and as a result, his team is staring at a heartbreaking sweep by the LA Dodgers.
With a 4-2 victory on Monday, the New York Yankees’ deficit is down to 0-3, and the Dodgers are 1 victory away from clinching the World Series. Naturally, owing to long withstanding slump in the postseason, captain Aaron Judge is under the radar, and his hitting metrics have hit an all-time career-low.
Aaron Judge’s October Flunk Costs Yankees Big-Time World Series
Aaron Judge’s slump in the 2024 World Series has become a focal point as the New York Yankees face elimination against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Heading into Game 4, Judge is struggling with a batting average of just .083, recording only one hit across 12 at-bats. His performance has been uncharacteristically poor for a player of his caliber, especially on baseball’s biggest stage, where his contributions are essential to the Yankees’ offensive engine. This slump isn’t entirely new, though; Aaron Judge has struggled throughout the playoffs. Despite his struggles, the Yanks managed to get past the Royals and Guardians. However, the Dodgers are proving to be a different challenge, with little margin for error and an urgent need for production from their star player.
The slump is all the more glaring because of Aaron Judge’s high strikeout rate. In his last six games, he has struck out 14 times in 25 at-bats, a staggering 56 percent strikeout rate. This suggests that the Dodgers have pinpointed his weaknesses or that Aaron Judge is pressing too hard in high-stakes situations. Either way, it’s clear that he is struggling to put the ball in play, let alone generate the power he’s known for. Also, the Yankees’ offense has been historically dependent on Judge’s big bat, especially in critical postseason moments. That being said, a player of Judge’s caliber can change the momentum of a game with one swing, and that’s what New York desperately needs. As the Bronx Bombers approach Game 4, Aaron Judge has an opportunity to turn things around, and his history suggests he can snap out of a slump quickly.
Aaron Judge Accepts Blame For Not Stepping Up
Aaron Judge is feeling the weight of his struggles in the 2024 World Series, acknowledging his slump and the impact it has on the Yankees’ lineup. “You want to be getting the hits. You want to be doing your job, but I’m not doing my job right now. I’ve got to pick it up,” Judge admitted.
Notably, Aaron Judge’s admission comes as the Yankees face a must-win Game 4 against the Dodgers. His .083 batting average has been a far cry from his usual form, and his high strikeout rate has hindered his ability to make impactful plays. With elimination on the line, his mindset and ability to reset could be just what the Yankees need to reignite their offense.
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