Aaron Judge is cementing his name amongst the greats that have worn the New York Yankees uniform. People both in and outside of baseball are running out of words to describe just how great of a player he is. The 2024 season was another MVP year for the Yankee captain. With the Yankees headed to the postseason, he’ll have an opportunity to chase that elusive World Series ring. However, Judge has struggled in the postseason, this is part of the reason why the Yankees haven’t made it back to the Fall Classic. If the Yankees want to go on a deep postseason run, then Aaron Judge needs to carry his regular season success into the postseason.
Aaron Judge Has Had An Impressive Career, Just Needs A Ring
Aaron Judge has had a very accomplished nine-year career with the Yankees. His career is so great that he’ll one day be immortalized in Monument Park. In nine seasons in the Bronx, Judge has slashed .288/.406/.604 with 314 home runs, 714 RBI, and a 1.010 OPS. He’s been an all-star six times, holds the American League single-season home run record, and earned Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. This season, the former MVP became the fastest player in baseball history to hit 300 home runs. The Yankee captain is currently on his way to earning his second career MVP award. While the 32-year-old outfielder has built a very impressive resume, the only thing missing is a championship ring.
He Has Struggled In The Postseason
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Aaron Judge has accomplished a lot in the regular season, it hasn’t translated to postseason success. Given what he’s accomplished, Judge’s postseason struggles get overlooked. Since Judge has been on the team, the Yankees have gone to the postseason seven times. In 44 career postseason games, Judge is only slashing .211/.310/.462 with 13 homers and 25 RBI. The past three times the Yankees have been in the postseason, Aaron Judge has been almost non-existent offensively. It’s nearly comparable to Alex Rodriguez’s struggles in the postseason from 2005-2007. The only difference is that, unlike A-Rod, Judge doesn’t get the heavy criticism for his lack of postseason success that he probably should.
Aaron Judge Having More Postseason Success Is A Must
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter missing the playoffs last year, the Yankees rebounded and are making a return trip to the postseason in 2024. While New York has the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Soto, and star rookie Austin Wells; the Yankees captain ultimately makes this team go. It can be argued that this team lives and dies by Aaron Judge’s bat. This is probably an understatement, after all, Aaron Judge currently has a WAR of 10.4. It is crucial for the Yankees’ success in October for Aaron Judge to be a force in the postseason.
Aaron Judge’s Bat Could Determine New York’s Postseason Success
Embed from Getty ImagesAaron Judge ultimately is the one that makes the Yankees go. The all-star outfielder so far has put together an impressive career. However, his lack of success in the postseason is a reason the Yankees haven’t gone back to the World Series. New York’s postseason run could very well be determined by how well the former MVP performs offensively. Given what he means to the team’s success, Aaron Judge needs to produce in the postseason if the Yankees want to get back to the World Series.
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