Despite Missing 60 Games Aaron Judge’s All-MLB Team Selection Proves His Staggering Skill

Aaron Judge was on his way to making history again before he hit a literal wall. The New York Yankees captain started his 2023 right where he left off his MVP-winning season in 2022. Judge was again turning out to be the guardian angel of the Bronx Bombers, but then a toe injury turned things around. But such was his impact that he has become a part of the All-Stars second team selection even after missing 1/3rd of the season. In all of this, Judge ended up matching an unusual record.

While the Bronx Bombers had a season they’d like to forget, the collective powers of Judge and the 2023 Cy Young award-winning Gerrit Cole showed that there was still some fire left in the Pinstripes. However, one wonders what would have happened had Judge not gotten injured, but his extraordinary numbers show that he was far ahead of the pack even after being less than 100% for the entire season.

In 2023, Aaron Judge hit it out of the park

It’s common knowledge that the New York Yankees collapsed right after Judge’s injury last season. The reason being his being the lynchpin holding their hitting together. Though memories are quite clear when one looks at the number, it becomes even more obvious just how dependent the Yankees were on their captain. His 37 homers were the most by any Bronx player last season.

Judge’s season was a class tale of two halves. He began his season on a good note but not spectacular way, slashing .261/.352/.511 before entering the injured list. He was a different man when he returned on May 9th as from that point onwards Judge slashed .325/.457/.855 until he injured his right toe during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 3rd.

The Yankees captain took a spectacular catch but hit a fence, injuring his toes. As a result, he missed nearly 2 months of action and the Bombers lost their race towards the playoffs. He returned on July 28th, but it was already too late. Yet his performances were enough to put him in the All-Stars Second Team with his 2023 slash being .267/.406/.613.

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In all of this, Aaron Judge ended up matching a unique record.

All Rise set a precedent that will echo through the ages

In just 106 games, Aaron Judge hit 37 home runs. Becoming the first since Mark McGwire in 1995. One can guess the pace of All Rise from the simple fact that he was 4th in the AL in total homers last season. Even after missing 1/3rd of the season, he was ahead of nearly every player.

All of these proves that had Judge not gotten injured, things would have been much different for the Yankees. But as it stands, the past is in the past and it’s time to look ahead. Will Judge’s 2024 performance be as good as his previous ones? The Yankees certainly wish it is.

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