Aaron Judge's Historic Pursuit and Juan Soto's Impressive Season Electrify MLB
The 2022 Major League Baseball season has been nothing short of remarkable, and much of the excitement surrounds the exceptional performances of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
In 2022, Aaron Judge set the American League single-season home run record with a staggering 62 home runs. Fast forward to this season, Judge shows no signs of slowing down, with an impressive 51 home runs already. Analysts and fans alike are buzzing about Judge's trajectory, which is on pace for an eye-popping 63 home runs this season. Should he achieve this milestone, it would be an encore to his already legendary record.
However, it's not just the sheer number of home runs that speaks volumes about Judge's dominance on the field. His current WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is an astounding 9.4, with projections suggesting it could reach 11.5 by season's end. To put this in perspective, Barry Bonds, one of the most iconic power hitters in baseball history, had a WAR of 11.7 in 2002. This potential puts Judge in the conversation with some of the greatest seasons ever recorded.
Alongside Judge, Juan Soto is crafting his own narrative of excellence. The pending free agent is not just eyeing the market with anticipation, but he's making a compelling case for himself with his on-field prowess. Soto has belted 37 home runs so far this season, placing him tied for fourth in the league. With forecasts indicating a strong finish of 45 home runs, Soto is cementing his status as one of the league's premier power hitters.
When it comes to WAR, Soto is no slouch either. Currently holding a WAR of 7.5, he ranks fourth in MLB. Projections suggest Soto's WAR could climb to 9.2 by the time the dust settles on this season. The statistical achievements of Judge and Soto underscore their importance to their respective teams and the broader narrative of the MLB season.
Together, Judge and Soto have the potential to achieve something truly special. With both players on pace to combine for 108 home runs this season, they would join an elite group of only five previous pairs of MLB teammates to reach this milestone in a single season. The historical context adds another layer of excitement, as the only team to have two players surpass 50 home runs each in the same season was the iconic 1961 Yankees.
Moreover, for the Yankees, this season could mark a return to historical greatness on another front. The franchise has not seen two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 since the legendary 1927 team, a powerhouse that is often cited among the best in the history of the sport.
The individual accomplishments of Judge and Soto are noteworthy, but their combined impact is what could make this season one for the ages. As they chase down records and victories, the anticipation and excitement among fans and analysts continue to build. With each home run and every game, the legacies of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto grow, potentially inscribing their names even deeper into the annals of baseball history.