In a season brimming with jaw-dropping moments, Aaron Judge has once again etched his name into the storied annals of New York Yankees history. Despite a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, the two-time AL MVP delivered a towering reminder of his greatness, launching a 426-foot solo home run to left-center in the first inning. That blast, his 358th career homer, tied him with Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra for fifth on the Yankees’ all-time home run list. Now, only three homers separate Judge from surpassing the legendary Joe DiMaggio for fourth place.
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At 33, Judge’s dominance is undeniable. His career OPS of 1.022 ranks third in Yankees history, trailing only the immortal Babe Ruth (1.195) and Lou Gehrig (1.079). This season, he’s been a force of nature, leading MLB with a .324 batting average, a 1.117 OPS, and a 7.2 WAR. His 43 home runs tie him for fourth league-wide, and his 97 walks are second only to one other player. Yet, it’s his pursuit of an AL single-season record that has the baseball world buzzing: Judge’s 30 intentional walks are just three shy of the mark set by Hall of Famers Ted Williams (1957) and John Olerud (1993), both with 33.
Even with teams routinely walking him to avoid his wrath—especially with runners in scoring position—Judge remains a run-producing juggernaut. His 97 RBIs rank sixth in baseball, outpacing Jose Ramirez and leaving Shohei Ohtani 14 behind in third place. This relentless production, despite being robbed of countless at-bats, underscores why Judge is the heart of the Yankees’ lineup.
The MVP Race: Judge vs. Raleigh
As the season nears its climax, one question looms large: Will Aaron Judge claim his third AL MVP Award? The only player standing in his way is Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has taken the league by storm with an MLB-leading 50 home runs and 107 RBIs, good for third in the league. Raleigh, at 28, also made history by setting the single-season home run record for a primary catcher. His .932 OPS ranks fourth, and his 5.7 WAR places him fifth, but his .240 batting average pales in comparison to Judge’s elite consistency.
Raleigh’s case hinges on his power numbers and the premium value of his position. Catcher is widely regarded as the second-most demanding role on the field, behind only pitcher, while Judge’s usual spot in right field—or his recent stint as a designated hitter since August 5 due to an elbow injury—carries less defensive weight. The injury, which sidelined Judge for nearly two weeks, has forced him into a DH role, potentially weakening his case in the eyes of some voters.
Yet, Judge’s overall brilliance is hard to ignore. His league-leading batting average, OPS, and WAR, combined with his 43 homers and 97 RBIs, paint the picture of a player who impacts the game at an unmatched level. If Judge can close the gap in home runs and RBIs over the final month, Raleigh’s argument may crumble. With 97 walks (second in MLB) and a disciplined approach at the plate, Judge’s ability to dominate in every facet of the game makes him the frontrunner.
The Road Ahead
As the Yankees push toward the postseason, Judge’s pursuit of history is far from over. Three more home runs will vault him past DiMaggio, and a few more intentional walks could see him etch his name alongside Williams and Olerud. Most crucially, his performance in September could lock up the AL MVP Award, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever don the pinstripes.
Aaron Judge has already shattered records and redefined excellence. Now, with only Cal Raleigh standing in his way, the stage is set for a thrilling finale. Will Judge’s bat roar loud enough to silence the doubters and secure his place as the AL’s undisputed king? The baseball world is watching.