On Wednesday night, Aaron Judge etched his name into the MLB history books by hitting his 300th career home run. Remarkably, Judge accomplished this feat in just his 955th career game, making him the fastest player in the league's history to reach this milestone. To put this into perspective, Ralph Kiner, who previously held the record, needed 1,087 games to hit his 300th home run.
Judge has been a standout performer for the New York Yankees, consistently putting up impressive numbers despite facing several setbacks due to injuries. In just the past three seasons, Judge's participation has been notably high, playing 148 games in 2021, 157 games in 2022, and appearing in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games so far in the 2023 season. However, his journey has not been without challenges—he missed 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and another 56 games in 2022 largely due to a toe injury that continues to require "constant maintenance," as Judge himself describes it.
This season, Judge is on track to finish with 57 home runs, which would bring his career tally to an impressive 314 heading into the 2025 season. Projections suggest that Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years. Should these projections hold true, Judge's career home run total would reach a staggering 482 by the end of that period.
Judge's contract with the Yankees extends through 2031, giving him ample time to further add to his home run totals. If he maintains his projected pace, he could potentially join the exclusive 500-home run club. This elite group includes legendary players such as Barry Bonds, who leads with 762 home runs, Hank Aaron with 755, and Babe Ruth with 714. Other notable members include Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630), Jim Thome (612), and Sammy Sosa (609). Should Judge reach his projected total of 589 home runs, he would find himself just beyond Frank Robinson, who retired with 586 home runs.
This season, Judge continues to display the power and consistency that have defined his career. The anticipation surrounding his trajectory is palpable among baseball fans and analysts alike. With his ability to overcome injuries and produce at an elite level, Judge is well on his way to cementing himself as one of the greatest power hitters the sport has ever seen.
As Judge continues to make history, comparisons to other baseball legends are inevitable. However, his focus remains squarely on contributing to his team's success. With several years left on his Yankees contract, the sky appears to be the limit for Judge's home run totals, provided he can stay healthy and maintain his exemplary performance at the plate.
In an era where power hitters are a coveted commodity, Aaron Judge stands out not just for his impressive numbers but for the resilience and determination he has shown throughout his career. The road ahead appears bright for Judge, and baseball enthusiasts will undoubtedly be watching closely as he inches closer to joining the hallowed ranks of the 500-home run club.
As with any professional athlete, there are countless variables that could alter these projections. Injuries, team dynamics, and even the changing nature of the game itself could all play a role. Still, Aaron Judge's current pace and performance offer more than enough reason for optimism. If history has taught us anything, it's that records are made to be broken, and Judge is certainly on a trajectory to do just that.