Aaron Judge on the Brink of Unprecedented MLB Milestone
Aaron Judge continues to solidify his status as a frontrunner for the MVP award. For fans and analysts alike, it’s no longer a question of whether he will be in the conversation, but rather how shocking it would be if he were to miss out on the honor this season. Judge’s performance has positioned him as one of the most formidable right-handed hitters in the history of Major League Baseball, and he’s doing so while working through an injury.
Chasing History in the Season’s Final Stretch
With just nine games remaining in the regular season, Judge finds himself on the cusp of achieving a remarkable feat. As highlighted by notable sports analyst Jayson Stark, he is just two home runs shy of reaching the 50-homer milestone for the fourth time in his career. Achieving this milestone would not only accentuate his status among the elite sluggers of the game but also place him in a unique category that hasn’t been seen in nearly a century.
The Wild Triple Crown Scenario
Hitting the 50-home run mark would also mean that Judge would finish the season with at least 100 RBIs—a statistic that typically accompanies such power hitting. However, despite this impressive output, Judge is poised to finish behind Cal Raleigh in the home run tally within his division. Stark emphasizes the peculiarity of this situation: “He’s not going to win the Triple Crown!”
This is a rare occurrence in baseball. Stark’s research reveals that only one player in history has ever led the league in batting average, achieved 50 home runs, and recorded 100 RBIs without winning the Triple Crown—a feat that dates back 87 years to the legendary Jimmie Foxx in 1938.
Legacy of a Modern Power Hitter
Judge’s potential season outcomes serve as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of baseball statistics and the stories they tell. While he continues to display extraordinary talent, the possibility of not winning the Triple Crown despite such significant achievements raises questions about the nature of accolades in baseball. In a sport where numbers are king, Judge’s unique situation could redefine how we view both individual accomplishment and historical legacy.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Judge as he attempts to etch his name alongside the game’s greats, proving that even in a season of near-historic achievements, the nuances of baseball can lead to unforeseen narratives.
