Aaron Judge Sets New Home Run Record: Fastest to 300 in MLB History
In a historic milestone achieved on Wednesday night, Aaron Judge etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history by smashing his 300th career home run. This significant accomplishment didn't just add another round-tripper to his impressive tally; it established Judge as the fastest player in MLB history to reach this prodigious number, achieving the feat in a mere 955 career games. The previous record-holder, Ralph Kiner, took 1,087 games to reach the same milestone.
A closer look at Judge’s illustrious career reveals a journey marked by both astounding highs and notable challenges. Despite missing substantial chunks of several seasons due to various injuries—50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and 56 in 2022 due to a toe injury—Judge has consistently demonstrated his unparalleled prowess at the plate. Commenting on his toe injury, Judge mentioned that it requires "constant maintenance," a testament to the physical toll of professional baseball.
Judge's resilience and dedication have been particularly evident over the past few seasons. In 2021, he played in 148 games, followed by 157 games in 2022. This season, he has participated in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games, displaying remarkable endurance and commitment to the sport.
As the 2023 season progresses, Judge is projected to end with 57 home runs, which would bring his career total to 314 as he heads into the 2025 season. If current projections hold, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years. By the end of this period, his career home run tally could reach an impressive 482.
Judge's long-term contract with the New York Yankees runs through 2031, providing plenty of time for the slugger to continue climbing the ranks of baseball's all-time home run leaders. Should he maintain his projected pace, Judge could end his career with a total of 589 home runs, positioning him just beyond the legendary Frank Robinson, who boasts 586 homers.
Entering the coveted 500-home run club would place Judge among the elite and immortalize his legacy alongside baseball’s greatest hitters. This exclusive club includes some of the most storied names in the sport’s history, such as Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), and Alex Rodriguez (696). Other notable members include Willie Mays with 660 home runs, Ken Griffey Jr. with 630, and Jim Thome with 612. Reaching such rarefied heights would cement Judge's status as one of baseball's all-time greats.
Further down the list, though still within the echelons of home run royalty, are players like Sammy Sosa (609), Frank Robinson (586), and Harmon Killebrew (571). Each of these sluggers carved out an indelible mark in MLB history, and Judge’s projected trajectory suggests he is well on his way to joining their ranks.
For Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, watching Aaron Judge's career unfold has been nothing short of exhilarating. His ability to consistently perform at an elite level, combined with his perseverance through injuries, has endeared him to millions. As the 2023 season continues and future seasons unfold, Judge's journey will undoubtedly be followed with great anticipation, as he continues to swing for the fences and aim for the record books.
The path Aaron Judge is on promises more milestones and memorable moments. Baseball aficionados will be keenly observing each at-bat, each home run, and each stride towards history. With his name already etched next to some of the game's legends, the future, much like Judge's home runs, looks incredibly bright.