Aaron Judge’s 2023 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s sparking discussions about whether it might be the best offensive season ever by a right-handed hitter. Several factors contribute to this claim, including his power, consistency, advanced metrics, and the historical context in which he is performing. Let’s break down why Judge’s season stands out so remarkably.
Firstly, Judge’s raw power is off the charts. He’s consistently hitting the ball harder and farther than almost anyone in the league. His exit velocity is among the highest in MLB, and he leads the league in home runs by a significant margin. This power is evident in his ability to hit home runs to all parts of the field, including to the opposite field with ease, something that only the most elite power hitters can do regularly.
Judge’s plate discipline is another key factor. He has an exceptional eye, leading to a high walk rate, which not only boosts his on-base percentage but also shows his ability to control the strike zone. Despite pitchers trying to work around him, Judge remains patient, waiting for his pitch and often making them pay when they do challenge him. His combination of power and patience is rare and deadly, making him one of the most feared hitters in the game.
The advanced metrics also underscore just how special Judge’s season is. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) and wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) are off the charts, often placing him well above the league average. wRC+ is particularly telling because it adjusts for the ballparks in which a player plays and the era in which they play. Judge’s numbers suggest he’s producing runs at a rate rarely seen, especially from a right-handed hitter.
In addition to his power and discipline, Judge’s ability to hit for average has been impressive. Unlike many power hitters who tend to have lower batting averages, Judge has maintained a high average throughout the season. This makes him a complete hitter, one who can not only go deep but also collect hits in crucial situations. This combination of hitting for both power and average is what truly sets him apart.
Historically, right-handed hitters have faced more challenges than their left-handed counterparts. Most pitchers are right-handed, and the matchups generally favor left-handed hitters. Despite this, Judge has excelled, putting up numbers that are comparable to some of the greatest seasons by right-handed hitters like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Albert Pujols. However, Judge’s numbers in a modern context—with more specialized pitching and tougher competition—might make his season even more impressive.
Another aspect that makes Judge’s season stand out is the era in which he is playing. The current era is one dominated by pitching, with higher strikeout rates and lower batting averages across the league. Despite this, Judge is putting up offensive numbers that would be remarkable in any era, but are especially notable in today’s pitching-dominant environment. His ability to thrive in such a tough offensive climate further solidifies the argument for his season being one of the best ever.
Judge’s performance under pressure also cannot be overlooked. He consistently delivers in clutch situations, driving in key runs and often changing the course of games with a single swing. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-leverage moments is reminiscent of the greats and adds another layer to his already impressive season.
One of the most compelling arguments for Judge having the best offensive season by a right-handed hitter ever is his impact on the New York Yankees. Judge is the cornerstone of their lineup, and his presence transforms the team’s offense. When he’s in the lineup, the Yankees are a significantly more dangerous team, and his ability to change a game with one swing makes him the focal point of every opposing pitcher’s strategy.
Additionally, when we consider the historical significance of Judge’s season, it’s important to note that he’s doing this in a league with increased scrutiny, advanced scouting, and more data available to pitchers than ever before. Despite these challenges, he’s still producing at an elite level, which speaks volumes about his talent and adaptability.
Finally, the sheer consistency of Judge’s season is what truly makes it special. Many players have had hot streaks, but Judge has sustained his excellence over the course of the entire season. He’s avoided prolonged slumps, continuously putting up impressive numbers month after month. This consistency is one of the hardest things to achieve in baseball and is a hallmark of the greatest offensive seasons.
In conclusion, Aaron Judge’s 2023 season is not just remarkable—it might very well be the best offensive season by a right-handed hitter ever. His combination of power, patience, and consistency, all while playing in an era that heavily favors pitchers, puts him in a category that very few have ever reached. Whether or not it is ultimately deemed the best season ever, there is no doubt that Judge is having a season for the ages, one that will be remembered and debated for years to come.