Aaron Judge is displaying one of the most remarkable seasons seen in recent years. Through 48 games, the New York Yankees outfielder has maintained a batting average near .400, a feat he has yet to reach in his MLB career, even as a two-time American League MVP. This close-to-.400 average highlights Judge’s exceptional performance early in the season.
Alongside his hitting prowess, Judge continues to wield immense home run power. He trails only Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber for the league lead in homers, reinforcing his position as the leading candidate for this year’s AL MVP award. Yet, some voices suggest Judge may still have untapped potential beyond his current production.
Phillies Icons Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins Project a Historic 60/30 Milestone for Judge
On the 6-1-1 Podcast, Phillies greats Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins shared their perspectives on what Aaron Judge might achieve this season. Both former stars expressed belief in Judge’s ability not only to break new ground with home runs but also to add impressive stolen base numbers, potentially becoming the first player to combine 60 home runs with 30 steals in one campaign.
“He can go on some crazy tears that are gonna just be so fun to watch. It’s gonna be like with what Ohtani did last year from the standpoint of hitting home runs and stealing bases. I think Aaron judge is gonna have one of those months where there dude might drop off 20,” Howard said.
Howard’s admiration for Judge’s potential extends beyond power hitting, anticipating a spectacular scoring stretch with up to 20 home runs in a single month. His prediction signals confidence in Judge’s ability to sustain elite performance through prolonged periods.
Rollins added his enthusiasm for Judge’s unique skill set. Despite the Yankees slugger’s history of fewer stolen bases, Rollins envisions Judge achieving a combination no one else has matched.
“I wouldnt be surprised. With that said, can we see a 60/30 out of him? We want to see 60/30…. We’ve seen 40/70, we’ve seen 50/50…but Judge is different, I want to see 60/30 out of him,” Rollins added.
While Judge has never recorded more than 16 stolen bases in a season, the six-time All-Star possesses the athleticism and speed that could allow him to reach 30 steals if he prioritizes baserunning alongside his power hitting.
Aaron Judge Recently Hit the Shortest Home Run of His Career
Judge, known for his immense slugging ability and as the holder of the American League single-season home run record, demonstrated the unpredictable nature of baseball during a game against the Texas Rangers. On Tuesday night, he launched the shortest home run of his career, measuring just 326 feet.
This unusual homer shows that even the most powerful hitters sometimes rely on a bit of luck to get the ball over the fence. Despite its short distance, the home run contributed to the Yankees’ victory, reaffirming Judge’s impact on every game.
Potential Impact and What Lies Ahead for Judge’s Historic Season
If Aaron Judge manages to combine a 60-home run tally with 30 stolen bases, he would enter uncharted territory in Major League Baseball history. Achieving this feat would not only secure his place among the all-time greats but also redefine the standard for a power-speed player.
Judging by supporters like Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, the baseball community’s anticipation is high. Their predictions add an extra layer of excitement, motivating Judge and fans to witness a record-chasing season that could reshape expectations for sluggers and baserunners alike.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on the Yankees’ superstar to see if he can fulfill this ambitious goal and etch his name further into baseball lore with an Aaron Judge 60 home run 30 stolen base season.