Yankees OF Aaron Judge (99) - Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports
After hitting back-back-back home runs this past Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees are continuing to set records.
The trio of Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton are the first Yankees to do so since the 2020 season. The Yankees would go on to win the game 10-3.
Let’s see if Judge can beat his record of 62 home runs he set back in 2022.
Beating His Own Home Run Record
Two years ago, Judge recorded 62 home runs in one season, surpassing the late Roger Maris’ record of 61.
Not only did he pass him on the Yankees’ list, but Judge’s 62 dingers set a record in the American League.
Now, he is on pace to break his record with a total home run projection of 63.
Judge currently has 51 home runs, and the closest AL player behind the Yankee captain is Baltimore Orioles’ Anthony Santander with 38.
What to Watch For?
Don’t blink now, MLB fans. Judge is steadily becoming a generational slugger that in 20 years from now, the next generation will read it in the record books.
Number 99 played three seasons of college ball at Fresno State before playing another three in the minors and before making it to the Yankees.
The game-changing athlete is now the fastest player to reach the 300 career home run mark. The slugger accomplished this feat all on one team in 955 games played.
Yes, he turned 24 when he entered the MLB, but he also hit his 300th dinger before turning 33.
Judge’s Stats
Judge is the first player with 50+ HRs, 120+ RBIs, and 100 BB before the month of September. He is averaging a 50% on-base percentage this season.
He is also the first player in MLB history in three of his first nine seasons to hit 50+ home runs.
What’s Next?
If Judge repeats his own history, his 63rd home run will show his mean for home runs is about 50 a year since 2021.
Additionally, if he keeps up the pace into his late 30s and early 40s—the keyword is “if, ” he would pass Barry Bonds in about ten years. It is possible, yes. It is realistic, no, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Going Forward
The home run race for 2024 isn’t over at all, despite it being Judge vs. Judge. There will be flash bulbs in the stands every time Judge steps up to bat.
The race will also focus on a close AL battle between the New York Yankees and a young Baltimore Orioles team.
