As the Major League Baseball season progresses, fans and analysts alike have their eyes on two standout performers: Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres. Both sluggers are not only rewriting record books but are also showcasing remarkable performances that could lead their teams to new heights.
Aaron Judge: Chasing History
Aaron Judge, the imposing outfielder for the Yankees, set the American League single-season home run record with 62 home runs in 2022. This season, Judge continues to be a force at the plate, having already amassed 51 home runs. Remarkably, he's on pace to hit 63 home runs by the season's end, potentially breaking his own record.
Beyond the home runs, Judge's contributions to the Yankees are reflected in his current Wins Above Replacement (WAR). With a WAR of 9.4, he's one of the most valuable players in the league. Projections indicate that Judge could finish the season with a WAR of 11.5, putting him in elite company. To put his performance into perspective, Barry Bonds had a WAR of 11.7 in 2002, a year widely regarded as one of the greatest in baseball history.
Juan Soto: A Star on the Rise
At just 23 years old, Juan Soto is already a pending free agent creating buzz around Major League Baseball. This season, Soto has hit 37 home runs, tying him for fourth in the league. He is on track to finish with a total of 45 home runs. His offensive prowess is underscored by an impressive WAR of 7.5, positioning him fourth in MLB for that metric. By the end of the season, Soto's WAR could reach 9.2, making him one of the top contributors in the league.
A Historic Partnership?
When looking at Judge and Soto's combined potential, the numbers are staggering. Together, they are on pace for a total of 108 home runs this season—a feat only achieved by five previous pairs of teammates in Major League Baseball history. The anticipation of these two sluggers possibly reaching this milestone adds another layer of excitement to an already thrilling season.
The implications for the Yankees, in particular, are significant. The team has not had two players each accumulate a WAR over 10 since 1927, a year that featured the legendary tandem of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Should Judge and Soto continue their stellar performances, they could etch their names alongside those iconic players in Yankees history.
Moreover, achieving 108 combined home runs would be noteworthy considering the last—and only—time a team had two players surpass 50 home runs in the same season was the 1961 Yankees, with Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
The Road Ahead
As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Judge and Soto. Both players are not only key to their respective teams' success but are also central figures in the broader narrative of this year's MLB season. Their individual and collective achievements could redefine what's possible in modern baseball.
For the Yankees, Judge's pursuit of history and Soto's potential arrival through free agency or trade could be a game-changer, reminiscent of the team's storied past. For the Padres, Soto's continued development and explosive power provide a beacon of hope for their future success.
Whether or not Judge and Soto hit their projected milestones, their performances this season have already left an indelible mark on the sport. As fans, we are privileged to witness such extraordinary talent and dedication on display, reminding us why baseball is often referred to as America's pastime.