Judge's Historic Pace Continues
Aaron Judge's 2022 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, as he etched his name into the history books by setting the American League single-season home run record with 62 blasts. Fast forward to the current season, and Judge’s performance shows no signs of slowing down. With 51 home runs already under his belt, Judge is on pace to notch 63 homers by season’s end, potentially surpassing his own record.
Impressive WAR Numbers
Equally impressive are Judge’s contributions beyond just the long ball. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) currently sits at a stellar 9.4, and projections suggest he could finish the season with a WAR of 11.5. This would place him in elite company, as Barry Bonds, who had a WAR of 11.7 in 2002, is among the few who have reached such heights in recent history.
Juan Soto: A Force in His Own Right
While Judge's exploits are remarkable, Juan Soto’s performance this season commands respect as well. Soto, a pending free agent, has already launched 37 home runs, positioning him tied for fourth in the league. He's on track to end the season with 45 homers. Soto’s impact isn't limited to power hitting; his WAR stands at 7.5, placing him fourth in Major League Baseball. Projections indicate his WAR could reach 9.2 by the end of the season.
Potential Record-Setting Duo
Together, Judge and Soto are on pace to combine for 108 home runs this season. This feat would place them in rarefied air, as only five previous pairs of teammates in Major League Baseball history have achieved such a combined total. The prospect of these two sluggers achieving this mark brings to mind historic duos like the 1961 Yankees, the only team to have two players surpass 50 home runs in the same season.
Yankees Chasing More History
This season could also see the Yankees reaching historical milestones beyond home runs. The franchise has not had two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 since the fabled 1927 squad. As Judge and Soto continue to bolster their stat lines, the potential for them to join this exclusive group adds another layer of intrigue to the Yankees' season.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Not only are they targeting individual achievements, but their combined efforts are set to etch another chapter in the storied history of Major League Baseball.