Aaron Judge set a remarkable milestone on Wednesday night, slamming his 300th career home run. The Yankees' powerhouse has achieved this feat faster than any player in MLB history, reaching the mark in just his 955th career game. This achievement edges past Ralph Kiner, who took 1,087 games to reach the same milestone, showcasing Judge’s exceptional prowess at the plate.
Judge's journey to this historic moment has been notable not just for his home-run hitting capability but also for his resilience through injuries and consistency in performance. Over the last few seasons, Judge's presence has been a linchpin for the Yankees. Despite dealing with a series of injuries that saw him miss significant playing time—50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and 56 in 2022 due to a toe injury—Judge has consistently bounced back to contribute significantly.
His determination and work ethic are evident in his recent seasons' game participation. In 2021, he played 148 games, followed by 157 games in the 2022 season. Judge has already participated in 120 of the Yankees' 122 games in the 2023 season, a testament to his endurance and dedication. Speaking about his toe injury, Judge remarked that it requires "constant maintenance," highlighting the physical challenges he has overcome to continue performing at an elite level.
As of this season, Judge is projected to end with 57 home runs, pushing his career total to an impressive 314 as he heads into the 2025 season. With an expectation to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years, Judge’s projected home run total by the end of this period would be 482. This trajectory places him within striking distance of some of baseball's most legendary figures.
Historically, the 500-home run club is a mark of lasting greatness in MLB, with legends such as Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714) leading the list. More recent stars, including Alex Rodriguez with 696 home runs and Ken Griffey Jr. with 630, along with other iconic players like Willie Mays (660), Jim Thome (612), and Sammy Sosa (609), have set a bar that only the truly elite can aspire to.
If Judge maintains his projected pace, he is on course to surpass the likes of Frank Robinson, who tallied 586 home runs, and Mark McGwire, who ended his career with 583. Judge’s projections suggest a career total of 589 home runs, which would place him just beyond Frank Robinson, etching his name prominently among the game's legends.
Looking further ahead, Judge’s contract with the Yankees runs through 2031, providing ample time for him to continue his ascent up the home run leaderboard. This extended tenure, coupled with his proven durability and home-run hitting ability, makes the possibility of Judge joining the 500-home run club a tantalizing prospect for Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Judge’s feats at the plate, alongside his resilience through injuries and his role as a cornerstone of the Yankees' lineup, underscore his status as one of the game's greats. As he continues to build on his impressive career, Aaron Judge is not only breaking records but also setting new standards of excellence in baseball.