The ratings are in for the Bronx Bomber! And it seems even this powerhouse slugger might be a few stars away. The captain of the New York Yankees symbolizes authority, accuracy, and grace. Aaron Judge‘s on-field performance is indisputable, with a bat that sends balls flying and a glove that grabs them from the air. Still, among all the admiration, a lighthearted argument has developed: Is Aaron Judge indeed a five-tool player?

Wondering what ignited this buzz in the Yankees dugout? Well, it was a memorable performance in their recent 6-3 triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. Brandon Lowe‘s hit in the first inning let Rays youngster Kameron Misner try to go from first to third. Playing right field, Judge caught the ball and sent a strong, accurate throw to third base, catching Misner and recording the out. This action highlighted Judge’s extraordinary defensive abilities, drawing analogies to the venerable outfielder Roberto Clemente. Still, is he not a five-tool player? Let’s listen to his teammate take on it.

Here comes Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees’ exciting second baseman who is known for being honest and, of course, having style. When asked post-game, he answered with a grin, “Yeah, it was great. Five-tool player at his best. No, four and a half.”  Pressed further, Chisholm Jr. elaborated, “I’m still not going to give him the speed. Four and a half tools. But he’s been doing great, man. Defensively, offensively, he’s been doing his thing, and that’s why he’s the best baseball player in the league.”

Later, Cody Bellinger jumped into the conversation and said, “It’s a joke.”  However, looking at Judge, he is doing well in almost all the areas, and even the numbers support that. His .400 average shows his excellent hitting skills. In 19 games, he has seven home runs and 22 RBI, which demonstrate his power. Judge’s recent Clemente-like toss against the Rays showed his top-notch arm strength and accuracy. But if there’s one attribute under investigation, is his running speed. Despite his 55 stolen bases, his sprint speed doesn’t make him a speed demon, prompting the dispute over whether he embodies the five-tool model.

#99 might be lagging behind with just half a star, but Chisholm Jr. knows he is the best in the league. And those who know Judge agree without giving it a second thought. This sentiment is quite similar to that of a former teammate, which has created quite a fuss on the New York turf.

Echoes of praise for Aaron Judge

Talk about having an Aura—look at Judge. Not even his current teammates, but even his former teammates, carry respect for his game. Remember Juan Soto‘s recent comment that captivated everyone’s attention. In an interview, Soto declared Judge “the best hitter.” He felt that hitting behind Judge helped him hit. With the towering Judge in the on-deck circle, pitchers approached Soto differently. He has felt targeted by opposing pitchers since joining the Mets.

Soto probably wanted to highlight the changes that come with playing in Queens. Baseball fans love drama, so many saw Soto’s statements as an indication that he missed playing with the Yankees. This interpretation enraged fans and commentators. Some assumed Soto was criticising his team and regretted joining the Mets. His comments during his slump didn’t stop the whispering.

As usual, Judge handled it with elegance. Judge responded to Soto’s statement, stating, “I’m not going to go back-and-forth with this.”  His remark was simple and straightforward, praising what he had. Always focusing on his game, Judge consistently displays why he is indeed the best player in the league.

Soto’s new Mets teammates supported him in the clubhouse. He seemed to convince them that switching teams and positions is hard. They publicly praised him, saying he’ll rediscover his rhythm and that he has talent. And Mets fans? Their recent home game support was overwhelming. Soto seemed upbeat after receiving a standing ovation despite his past issues. His important hit may have signaled a turnaround and rewarded supporters’ faith.

Soto’s remarks, like Chisholm’s pleasant tease of Judge, show the challenges players endure, especially when they switch teams and are scrutinized. These conversations serve to remind us of the human element in this game we adore.