The batting order discussion has been present in MLB for decades.
Some defend the notion that the first two spots in the lineup should be reserved for speedy players with excellent bat control; while others prioritize players with a high OBP up there.
For the New York Yankees, however, that spot has an owner and it’s highly unlikely to change soon: Aaron Judge.
Judge may strike out a lot, but his excellent on-base skills and power fit in nicely in the second hole.
Do you want proof?
Here it is.
“After his HR on Wednesday, Aaron Judge of the @Yankees has hit 47 home runs while batting second in the order this season, tied for the most in a single season in MLB history,” Stats by STATS tweeted.
After his HR on Wednesday, Aaron Judge of the @Yankees has hit 47 home runs while batting second in the order this season, tied for the most in a single season in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/wgay6rBElB
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) September 7, 2022
There you go: 47 of Judge’s 55 blasts this year have come from the second spot of the lineup.
Judge Loves Hitting Second
The Yankees get more than a few extra at-bats in the year from Judge by having him hit second rather than, say, cleanup.
He may not be the prototypical second hitter, but he has shown he is quite comfortable there.
In reality, there is no wrong spot to have Judge hit as long as it is one of the first four, but having him hit first or second guarantees more at-bats for him.
Obviously, that’s a desirable scenario for manager Aaron Boone.
Judge hit yet another home run on Wednesday against the Twins, and is currently at 55 for the season.
Those have also come with a really solid .301/.407/.683 line and even 16 stolen bases.
He is having the season of his life, and could be the owner of the Yankees’ franchise record for single-season home runs in a couple of weeks.
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