New York Yankees ace Max Fried identified Giancarlo Stanton as the most intimidating hitter he has ever faced, placing him above teammate and captain Aaron Judge. Fried’s comments surfaced during the Yankees’ annual HOPE Week event, emphasizing Stanton’s exceptional power despite Judge’s status as a premier batter in the league.
Although Aaron Judge, a two-time American League MVP, has consistently troubled pitchers with his hitting, Fried, who signed with the Yankees in the offseason, said Judge is not the toughest opponent he has encountered. Since his MLB debut in 2017, Fried has confronted many elite hitters but singled out Stanton’s presence at the plate as most daunting.
“Giancarlo (Stanton) was probably the scariest guy that I’ve ever faced,” Fried said. “I’ve been on the mound and all I could think was, just please don’t hit it back at me. Because when he hits the ball, it’s just way too hard.”
Fried’s remarks acknowledge Stanton’s reputation as a powerful slugger, known for driving balls with overwhelming force. While he praised Judge’s talent as well, stating the captain is “definitely up there” among the scariest hitters, Fried’s fear of Stanton’s hard contact stands out.
Current Season Updates Highlight Aaron Judge’s Impact and Recent Struggles
This MLB season, Aaron Judge has recorded 26 home runs, ranking second in the league behind Seattle Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh. Despite this impressive tally, Judge has had some quieter games recently, coinciding with the Yankees enduring a six-game losing streak prior to facing the Los Angeles Angels.
On Thursday, Judge produced a solid 1-for-3 performance, including a walk and an RBI, helping the Yankees secure a 7-3 victory and end their skid. His ability to contribute remains vital, but inconsistency has been noted during this stretch.
Amid these fluctuations, veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt praised Judge’s overall excellence and resilience, warning opposing teams about the threat he poses when in form.
“He’s so good. He’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Goldschmidt said of Judge. “Regardless of if he’s had a bad game or two in a row, he’s going to be the same guy. He’s going to go out there and compete, and he’s always got a chance to leave the yard. When he gets hot, watch out.”
The Yankees’ recent win featured clutch hitting not just from Judge but also from teammates Trent Grisham and Paul Goldschmidt, who produced consecutive hits to spark a three-run rally in the second inning.
Significance of These Insights for Yankees and Fans
Max Fried’s identification of Giancarlo Stanton as the scariest hitter underscores the depth of power in the Yankees’ lineup, underlining the challenge Stanton poses to pitchers despite the spotlight often shining on Aaron Judge. This perspective may influence how the Yankees approach pitching and game strategy around their stars.
Meanwhile, Judge’s status as one of the league’s elite remains intact, with his ability to shift momentum still vital in the Yankees’ quest to overcome recent struggles. The praise from peers like Goldschmidt adds weight to Judge’s reputation and hints at his potential to ignite a turnaround.
As the season continues, observers will watch how both Stanton and Judge perform, particularly given their impact on the Yankees’ offensive strength and the outcomes of key games.