Aaron Judge and Juan Soto Chase History in Remarkable MLB Season
The 2022 season was one for the history books, especially for Aaron Judge, who set an American League single-season home run record with 62 blasts over the fence. This year, Judge seems undeterred by the weight of expectations, as he stands at 51 home runs already. More impressively, Judge is on pace to surpass his own record, with projections suggesting he could hit 63 home runs by season's end.
Judge's stellar performance isn't just confined to his home run achievements. His current WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 9.4 is already remarkable, with projections indicating it could reach a staggering 11.5. Such a high WAR underscores his multidimensional impact on the game, not just through his home run capabilities but also his all-around contributions to his team's success. By comparison, Barry Bonds, one of baseball’s legends, recorded a WAR of 11.7 in his exceptional 2002 season.
The Emergence of Juan Soto
While Judge's exploits have grabbed headlines, Juan Soto has quietly put together a season that solidifies his place among baseball's elite. Soto, a pending free agent, has belted 37 home runs, placing him tied for fourth in the league in this category. With a performance that has been both consistent and electrifying, Soto is on track to end the season with an admirable 45 home runs.
Much like Judge, Soto's value isn't measured by home runs alone. His WAR of 7.5 positions him fourth in Major League Baseball for this metric, with forecasts suggesting it could climb to 9.2 by the season's conclusion. This speaks volumes about Soto's comprehensive skill set, from hitting and fielding to his strategic importance on the diamond.
The Dynamic Duo
Collectively, Judge and Soto are on pace to achieve a combined total of 108 home runs for the season, a feat that has rarely been accomplished in the annals of Major League Baseball. Historically, only five pairs of teammates have managed to combine for such a prodigious number of home runs in a single season. To add to the historical context, the only team to have two players each surpass the 50-home run mark in the same season was the legendary 1961 Yankees.
This potential historic achievement is not just about personal records but also signifies a broader team dynamic that bolsters each player's performance. The duo's impact goes beyond mere statistics; it serves as an inspiration for the team and a challenge for their competitors.
Moreover, should both players continue on this trajectory, the Yankees could have two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10, a rare achievement not seen since the 1927 Yankees. This would place them in elite company, highlighting the extraordinary individual and collective contributions they are making to their team’s success.
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Their pursuit of history is engulfing fans in a thrilling narrative full of potential records and awe-inspiring performances. Whether Judge surpasses his home run record or whether both he and Soto make history as a pair, the excitement is palpable.
For baseball purists, these milestones offer more than just statistical achievements. They help do justice to the beauty and unpredictability of the sport. It's a celebration of talent, hard work, and the timeless allure of baseball. Even without considering the historical implications, watching two elite athletes perform at their peak is a testament to the enduring magic of America's pastime.
What makes this season even more special is the way it connects different eras of baseball history. From the ghosts of the 1961 Yankees to the legendary outings of Barry Bonds, this season serves as a bridge between past, present, and future. It reminds us why we fell in love with the game in the first place and why we remain so passionately invested in its unfolding chapters.