As the 2025 MLB season reaches its midpoint, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge continues to lead his team in an impressive effort to secure a playoff spot. Currently holding a .355 batting average with 35 home runs and a staggering 1.194 OPS, Judge’s phenomenal performance is driving the Yankees’ success and marking one of the most outstanding offensive seasons in recent memory. This exceptional run has sparked conversations about his remarkable impact, earning him recognition as a frontrunner for a third American League MVP award during this Aaron Judge 2025 historic run.
Unexpected Praise from Teammates Highlights Judge’s Underappreciated Talent
Despite his status as the best player in baseball, Judge has received an unexpected label from some of his peers: “underrated.” Oakland Athletics’ Brent Rooker, who shared the All-Star Game stage with Judge, offered a surprising assessment. Reflecting on the frequent question about overlooked players, Rooker stated,
“We get asked all the time, ‘Who do you think the most underrated player in the league is?’”
and added,
“It’s a ridiculous answer, but I think Judge may be the most underrated player in the league. I think a lot of people don’t fully appreciate what he’s able to do.”
This sentiment is echoed by others who have closely witnessed Judge’s career. Tyler Wade, a former teammate, hailed him as
“the best right-handed hitter of our generation.”
Wade also praised how Judge has handled the intense New York spotlight with rare humility. Catcher Kyle Higashioka recounted how Judge’s difficult 2016 debut pushed him to refine his swing completely, transforming his game. Determined not to be just another player, Judge’s relentless work ethic is credited with unlocking his vast potential.
Opponents Acknowledge Judge’s Evolving Approach and Near-Perfect Skill Set
Pitchers who face Judge regularly recognize the changes he has made at the plate. Veteran Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton observed that Judge is
“just as satisfied being an on-base threat”
as he is with hitting home runs, highlighting Judge’s expanded offensive versatility. Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet noted that scouting reports on Judge are dominated by red marks — a sign of his extensive strengths and minimal exploitable weaknesses. Former Yankee Michael King explained,
“He’s so big and he’s off the plate, so you’d think that you can get him out away, but because he’s so long, he can get to that pitch away.”
Pitchers find themselves constrained, forced to navigate the challenge of confronting a hitter with few vulnerabilities.
Consensus among players is clear: Judge’s 2025 season is exceptional and captivating. Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter compared it to legendary standards by saying,
“It’s probably the closest thing to a modern-day Barry Bonds type of season.”
This comparison, far from exaggeration, is supported by Judge’s outstanding statistics and his dominant presence at the plate.
Analyzing the Comparison: Aaron Judge and Barry Bonds’ Dominance
While comparing any player to Barry Bonds can seem extreme, Aaron Judge’s 2025 achievements merit such parallels. The two giants reached their peaks through different means. Bonds controlled the strike zone masterfully, striking out only 12% of the time over his career and intimidating pitchers so much they often avoided throwing strikes, resulting in an AL record 120 walks in 2004. Judge’s game is distinguished by his ability to maximize power, even though he strikes out more frequently than Bonds. Remarkably, Judge became the fastest player to reach 350 home runs in Major League Baseball history, reflecting his efficiency in converting opportunities into runs.
When comparing peak seasons, Bonds’ numbers between 2001 and 2004 are extraordinary, maintaining an OPS+ above 231. Judge’s peak years — 2022, 2024, and now 2025 — have registered OPS+ values of 210, 223, and 228, respectively. While Bonds remains slightly ahead, Judge has firmly entered an elite echelon of hitters, joining Bonds in an exclusive conversation reserved for baseball’s most historic offensive talents.
Judge’s Defensive Impact and Overall Value to the Yankees
Aaron Judge’s influence extends beyond his bat. As a right fielder, Judge is considered elite defensively, consistently contributing positive Outs Above Average — a testament to his athleticism despite standing 6-foot-7. His all-around excellence has elevated him into the rare category of five-tool players who excel offensively, defensively, and as team leaders. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR), already approaching the exceptional mark of 60.0, reinforces his value as one of the most impactful players the sport has ever seen.
Judge’s leadership remains a defining element of his legacy. Despite individual accolades, he prioritizes team accomplishment over personal awards. Emblematic of this mindset, he expressed in his own words,
“I’d rather be in a good position in the playoffs and holding up a World Series trophy than holding up an MVP trophy.”
This statement reflects his humility and focus, qualities that enhance his legendary status during this Aaron Judge 2025 historic run.
Why Aaron Judge’s Greatness Deserves Unwavering Recognition
The comprehensive view of Aaron Judge’s current season, combined with respect from teammates, opponents, and former colleagues, paints a portrait of a player at the peak of his powers. His blend of power hitting, contact ability, defensive prowess, and leadership intensity stands unrivaled. Though some consider him underrated, this may stem from how much better Judge has made himself look with every season.
As the Yankees fight for postseason relevance, Judge’s ongoing excellence will shape not only their fate but also how baseball remembers one of its most dominant stars. His career trajectory confirms that his contributions will resonate far beyond 2025, securing his place among the greatest players of this generation and the history of the game.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?
A. He shared with The Post, “I think they chose me, and I believe God brought us together.” Aaron Judge was adopted through a closed process. This means he has never interacted with his birth parents and says he has never felt the desire to do so.
Q. What’s special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron Judge is most famous for hitting a lot of home runs. He has achieved three seasons with 50 or more home runs, a feat shared by only four other players in history.
Q. Did Aaron Judge find his biological parents?
A. Aaron Judge was adopted through a closed adoption, which means he isn’t in touch with his birth parents.
Q. Did Aaron Judge know he was adopted?
A. He found out he was adopted when he was about 10 years old after realizing he didn’t resemble his parents. His adoption was closed, so he hasn’t connected with his birth parents. Aaron Judge, a standout player for the New York Yankees, has earned many awards since he started in Major League Baseball in 2016.