The 2024 baseball season is shaping up to be another special one, right? But there’s something truly magical about this Yankees season that feels like a trip down memory lane to the land of legends! Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are leading the charge, and they’ve taken us along for the ride. With their incredible power and skill, they’ve not only dazzled fans individually but also created milestones together, like becoming a duo with at least 40 home runs! And the list just keeps growing!

Is it fair to say we’re witnessing the 21st-century version of baseball’s most prodigious and productive teammates? Can we really draw a line from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto back to legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig? Sure, it might sound a bit subjective—after all, Ruth and Gehrig are icons whose legacy is hard to match. But let’s take a moment to appreciate what Judge and Soto are doing! While plenty of dynamic duos have graced the game since Ruth and Gehrig, there were none like the duo of Soto and Judge. And the rivals will agree.

How do the rivals feel about this duo?

Ruth and Gehrig were undeniably giants, cranking out seasons that feel like folklore. But is it really so crazy to draw a comparison with the electrifying duo of Judge and Soto? Turns out, the idea isn’t just ours. An AL executive recently faced off against the Judge and Soto Show and had some striking insights to share with the New York Times. He noted something intriguing: “What’s probably most underappreciated in this…” So, what was the gem he was hinting at? The executive continued, saying Soto approaches each at-bat with a style that’s completely unmatched in the league.

It’s as if he’s orchestrating every pitch, masterfully dictating the flow of the game, even from the batter’s box. And then there’s Aaron Judge—When he steps up, the tension is palpable. Opposing pitchers feel it; it’s like staring down a freight train. The best part? Together, this duo embodies a kind of offensive prowess that feels timeless. And the executive puts it up in the best way, saying “They’re in 1997 playing offense, and everybody else is in 2024.”

Do you know who the offensive duo in the 1920s was? Yes, Babe Ruth and Gehrig. So even when the rivals are making the comparison, there would be some weight to it, and the best thing to look at is through stats, and they tell a similar story!

How is the 2024 duo similar to that of the 1920s?

See, it’s not like they are the only duo formed after Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Yankees saw Roger Maris/Mickey Mantle… Henry Aaron/Eddie Matthews. The list goes on! But what sets Judge and Soto apart is their unique blend of power and on-base skills. They’re redefining the game in a way that’s hard to match. Take a look at the stats: they rank 1-2 across all of baseball in walks, showcasing their keen eye and patience at the plate. And when it comes to home runs, they’re not just hanging around—they’re dominating! Judge leads the pack, while Soto (with 40 homers) is right behind in third.

See, in modern baseball, home runs and walks often go hand in hand, but having two teammates simultaneously dominate both categories is a rarity. Sure, we’ve seen it before—just look at Ruth and Gehrig, who accomplished this feat not once but three times in 1927, 1930, and 1931! They consistently held the top spots, while one thing to note is that the legendary duo has been in the 1/2 for most of their reign when together. We can’t say Judge and Soto are always 1/2 as we have other players! But they dominate the list most of the time, circling back to the century-old duos.

When comparing these two powerhouse duos, it’s essential to keep perspective. One historic season in 2024 doesn’t quite stack up against the legendary nine-year reign of Ruth and Gehrig. Plus, this might be the only season we see Judge and Soto together, with Juan set to hit free agency next year. Who knows where he might land? But before we get ahead of ourselves, a crucial question looms: will this dynamic duo maintain their fierce play when the playoffs roll around? What do you think? Drop it in the comments.