Aaron Judge continues to etch his name into the annals of baseball history, as he hit his 300th career home run on Wednesday night. Not only is this a significant milestone in its own right, but Judge has set a new record, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach this feat. He managed to achieve this remarkable landmark in just 955 career games, a pace unmatched by any other player.
Judge’s record-breaking pace surpasses that of Ralph Kiner, who reached 300 home runs in 1,087 games. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering the number of games Judge has missed due to injuries over the years. He played 148 games in 2021 and 157 in 2022 but was sidelined for a significant portion of several seasons, including missing 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and 56 last year due to a toe injury.
Judge discussed the challenges of managing his toe injury, describing it as requiring "constant maintenance." Despite these setbacks, he has showcased stellar resilience and consistency, participating in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games in the current season.
Projected Growth and Future Achievements
Looking ahead, Judge's power at the plate shows no signs of waning. This season, he is projected to close out with 57 home runs, bringing his career total to 314 as he heads into the 2025 season. Over the next four years, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season. If these projections hold true, by the end of this period, his career home run total would climb to an impressive 482.
Judge’s contract with the Yankees, which runs through 2031, places him in a prime position to cement his legacy further. Should he maintain his projected performance, it is conceivable that he could join the elite 500-home run club. This group includes legendary players such as Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714), among others.
The Elite Home Run Club
The 500-home run milestone is a hallmark of power and endurance in Major League Baseball, with members like Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), and Ken Griffey Jr. (630) exemplifying sustained excellence. If Judge reaches his projected career total of 589 home runs, he would surpass some of the greatest hitters in the game’s history, including Frank Robinson, who finished his career with 586 homers.
Other notable members of this prestigious group include Jim Thome with 612 home runs, Sammy Sosa at 609, and Mark McGwire with 583. Harmon Killebrew (571), Rafael Palmeiro (569), Reggie Jackson (563), and Manny Ramirez (555) are also part of this illustrious club, showcasing the elite company Judge could join.
The Road Ahead
Aaron Judge’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to overcome injuries and continue performing at a high level highlights his determination and skill. As the Yankees look forward to the remaining years of his contract, they do so with optimism that Judge will continue to be a cornerstone of their lineup and a powerful force in the league.
His remarkable achievements thus far position him well to continue breaking records and reaching new heights in his career. For now, fans and teammates alike can celebrate Judge’s latest milestone, while eagerly anticipating what the future holds for one of baseball’s brightest stars.