Aaron Judge etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history on Wednesday night by becoming the fastest player to reach the significant milestone of 300 career home runs. Judge achieved this remarkable feat in just his 955th game, surpassing Ralph Kiner's previous record of 1,087 games.
Judge's prolific power hitting has not merely been a flash in the pan. His consistency over recent seasons underscores his impact on the game. In 2021, Judge appeared in 148 games, followed by 157 games in 2022. This season, he has played in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games, showcasing both his durability and importance to the team.
However, Judge's journey has not been without its setbacks. He missed 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and another 56 in 2022 due to a toe injury. Overcoming these challenges makes his accomplishments on the field even more commendable. Judge himself acknowledged the ongoing nature of his injury, describing it as requiring "constant maintenance."
Despite these obstacles, Judge's future in home run hitting appears promising. This season, he is projected to end with 57 home runs, pushing his career total to 314 as he heads into 2025. Over the next four years, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season, a pace that would bring him to a projected career total of 482 home runs by the end of that period.
Judge's trajectory places him on a favorable path toward joining the elite 500-home run club, a fraternity that includes legends like Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). With the Yankees' lineup anchored by Judge through his contract, which runs until 2031, the slugger has ample time to continue climbing the ranks of the all-time greats.
If Judge reaches his projected career total of 589 home runs, he would position himself just beyond Frank Robinson, who sits at 586 home runs. At that point, Judge would stand alongside other illustrious names in the home run club, such as Ken Griffey Jr. (630) and Alex Rodriguez (696).
As Judge basks in the glow of his 300th career home run, the baseball world watches with keen anticipation. His combination of power, consistency, and resilience poignantly illustrates the making of a modern-day baseball legend. With every swing, Judge continues to captivate fans and etch his name more indelibly in the sport's storied history.