Aaron Judge managed to get on base twice during Sunday’s win against the Orioles, including a walk and a single in four plate appearances. While that would be considered a solid day for many players, Judge’s 2024 standard is significantly higher. Over his last nine games, Judge has gone 6-for-30 with 16 strikeouts and only two extra-base hits, causing his OPS to fall to 1.195. Although this remains the best in Major League Baseball by a wide margin, it is the lowest mark Judge has posted since April 21 as the Yankees head to Cincinnati to face the Reds.

Understanding the Timing Behind Judge’s Cold Streak

This brief slump comes after a historic run in which Judge maintained a slugging percentage above .800 for nearly two months, with his OPS reaching an extraordinary peak above 1.200 in early June—an achievement rarely seen in the modern game. Given this level of performance, some regression was expected. Despite the current downturn, Judge’s overall production still ranks among MVP-level stats.

The Implications of Judge’s Slump for the Yankees’ Offense

The concern arising from Judge’s recent struggles centers on how heavily the Yankees depend on his bat. Even elite hitters experience slumps, and now the question is whether the rest of the lineup can compensate while Judge works to regain his form. Notably, he has struck out at least once in eight of his past nine games but continues to see quality pitches and contributes by drawing walks and maintaining a presence at the plate.

Outlook for Judge and the Team Moving Forward

If this level of production represents Judge’s current “cold streak,” it would still be enviable for most teams. He seems poised for another productive stretch, and the Yankees’ challenge lies in maintaining offensive stability until their superstar recaptures his earlier dominance. How the team supports Judge during this period may have important consequences for their 2024 playoff ambitions.

“Aaron Judge has struck out at least once in eight of his last nine games, but he’s still seeing pitches, drawing walks, and contributing in quieter ways. If this is what a cold streak looks like, most teams would gladly take it.” — unnamed source