New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is coming off an unprecedented season for an American League hitter.
He set a league record with 62 home runs, adding a .311 average, .425 on-base percentage, and 131 RBI.
This was more than enough for the MVP award, and a massive contract this offseason.
Aaron Judge doesn't just hit home runs. He plays top tier, Gold Glove defense in the outfield as well🤩
Here are some of his best defensive plays from his 2022 MVP campaign🫡 pic.twitter.com/0UPVaRLyCB
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 11, 2023
The nine-year $360 million deal is the third-largest in baseball history and shows the Yankees belief that Judge can keep up his level of play.
However, can he?
Here is a prediction on what numbers he could put up in the shadow of his amazing 2022 season.
Judge’s Numbers Will Fall Short Of Last Year’s
No matter what, it is going to be hard to replicate Judge’s season.
50 home runs is hard to repeat, nevertheless a record-setting number of 62.
Posting random Yankees highlights until Opening Day – Day 80:
Aaron Judge hits his 61st home run of his historic 2022 season (9/28/22) pic.twitter.com/z0yZPM6zgs
— YankeesMuse (@YankeesMuse) January 14, 2023
Because of this, Judge most likely will not repeat those same power numbers.
However, this doesn’t mean that his season will be a failure.
40 home runs seems like a more realistic total, which still has the possibility to lead the league.
He will also have a good chance to win a batting title, as his average may continue trending upward as it has in recent years.
Judge is improving as a hitter, being more than just a power threat.
He is truly one of the best pure hitters in the game now.
While he may not set a record again, he will likely settle for a 40-plus home run and .320 average season.
This seems most realistic, though there is always a chance that he once again has a record-setting season.
Either way, look for Judge’s name to be towards the top of the MVP voting again.
