Aaron Judge Home Runs: Tracking the Yankees Slugger on Pace to Break His Own AL Record
Aaron Judge, the towering outfielder for the New York Yankees, is once again making headlines with his incredible power at the plate. After setting the American League (AL) single-season home run record in 2022 with 62 home runs, Judge is on track to potentially surpass his own milestone during the 2024 season. For Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts, Judge’s home run pace is a storyline worth following closely, as it could once again etch his name in the history books.
To understand the significance of Judge’s 2024 season, it’s important to look back at his historic 2022 campaign. That year, Judge broke Roger Maris’ long-standing AL record of 61 home runs, which had been untouched since 1961. Not only did Judge lead the league in home runs, but he also finished with an impressive .311 batting average, 131 RBIs, and a .686 slugging percentage. His incredible performance earned him the AL MVP award and solidified his place among the greatest sluggers in baseball history.
Judge’s 62nd home run was one of the most talked-about moments of the 2022 season, with fans and analysts alike celebrating his achievement. It was a record that many thought might stand for decades, just as Maris’ had, but Judge’s power and consistency suggest that he could break his own record in the near future.
While the 2023 season didn’t go as smoothly for Judge as 2022, he still managed to put up impressive numbers despite facing adversity. Judge suffered a toe injury after colliding with a wall while making a spectacular catch in Dodger Stadium. This injury sidelined him for nearly two months, limiting his playing time and preventing him from fully replicating his 2022 success. Nevertheless, Judge finished the 2023 season with 37 home runs in just 106 games, showcasing his incredible ability to hit for power even in limited action.
Despite the setbacks, Judge’s performance in 2023 served as a reminder that he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. His ability to hit home runs at a prolific rate even after returning from injury was a testament to his natural talent and work ethic. As the 2024 season approached, there was a sense of anticipation about what Judge could achieve with a full, healthy season.
The 2024 season has started off strong for Judge, with the Yankees slugger quickly picking up where he left off. As of midseason, Judge is on pace to hit over 60 home runs, putting him within striking distance of breaking his own AL record. Fans and analysts have been eagerly tracking his home run count, wondering if he can surpass the mark that seemed so untouchable just a few years ago.
Judge’s power at the plate has been a key factor in the Yankees’ success, and his ability to consistently hit the ball out of the park has made him a focal point of the team’s offense. His combination of strength, bat speed, and plate discipline makes him one of the most difficult hitters to pitch against. Pitchers around the league have struggled to find ways to contain him, and as long as Judge stays healthy, he could be on track to make history once again.
One of the key aspects of Judge’s game in 2024 has been his improved plate discipline. He has been more selective with his swings, leading to fewer strikeouts and more opportunities to drive the ball with power. This adjustment has allowed him to maximize his potential at the plate and keep up a consistent pace of home runs.
While Judge is certainly capable of breaking his own record, several factors could impact his pursuit of the milestone. The most significant is his health. Judge’s 2023 season demonstrated how injuries can derail even the most talented players, and staying healthy throughout a grueling 162-game schedule is no easy task. The Yankees have been cautious with Judge’s workload, giving him rest days when needed to prevent wear and tear on his body.
Additionally, opposing teams are well aware of Judge’s home run capabilities, and pitchers have adjusted accordingly. Judge has seen more breaking balls and off-speed pitches this season, as pitchers attempt to keep him off balance and reduce the number of hittable fastballs he sees. How Judge adapts to these adjustments will be crucial in determining whether he can maintain his home run pace.
Judge’s pursuit of the home run record is not just an individual accomplishment—it has significant implications for the Yankees as a team. The Yankees are in the midst of a competitive AL East race, and Judge’s power has been a driving force behind their offense. If Judge can continue to produce at his current level, it could be the difference between the Yankees securing a playoff spot or falling short.
The Yankees have built their roster around Judge’s ability to change games with one swing of the bat. His presence in the lineup provides protection for other hitters and forces opposing pitchers to be more cautious. Judge’s home run chase could energize the Yankees and their fan base as the team battles for postseason positioning.
Aaron Judge’s quest to break his own AL home run record is one of the most exciting storylines of the 2024 MLB season. After an injury-shortened 2023 campaign, Judge is healthy and back to his dominant form, with the potential to surpass the 62 home runs he hit just two years ago. His power, discipline, and ability to make adjustments at the plate make him a legitimate threat to make history once again.
As fans and analysts track Judge’s home run count, the question remains: Can he do it again? With each home run he hits, the anticipation builds, and the possibility of another record-breaking season becomes more real. Whether Judge ultimately breaks his own record or falls short, his pursuit of greatness is a testament to his talent and determination, and it’s a journey that baseball fans won’t want to miss.