New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has etched his name into yet another record, joining the ranks of the legendary Barry Bonds, the all-time home run leader.
As of Monday, Judge boasts an impressive slugging percentage of .701, the highest by any player with a minimum of 300 plate appearances since Barry Bonds achieved a .812 slugging percentage in 2004. This accomplishment places Judge among a select group of legends who have managed similar feats before 2024, including Sammy Sosa (2001), Mark McGwire (2000), and Albert Belle (1994).
Aaron Judge is slugging .701 this season. 🔥
The last player to have a SLG% over .700 in a season with at least 300 PA was Barry Bonds in 2004.#Yankees | #RepBX pic.twitter.com/LIw4LLMlQl
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) August 7, 2024
Judge‘s incredible combination of home runs, doubles, and hits, along with maintaining a batting average among the league’s leaders, makes him arguably the closest thing to Barry Bonds that we’ve seen in Major League Baseball in recent years. Like Bonds, Judge possesses the unique ability to alter the course of a game with a single swing, and his impact transcends the statistics. Judge, much like Bonds, not only intimidates opposing pitchers but also inspires his teammates and fans with his ability to dominate the game.
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge as he strives to maintain his remarkable pace. With each home run and each double, he gets closer to baseball immortality. While time will tell whether he can match or surpass Bonds’ achievements, one thing is certain: Aaron Judge is leaving a mark on the history of Major League Baseball, and his name will be remembered alongside the greatest of the game.
