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New York Yankees: Aaron Judge getting closer to Triple Crown

By David Hill

Sep 11, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) hits a sacrifice fly ball against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) hits a sacrifice fly ball against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Judge is captivating baseball fans with his march to the 60 home run plateau. However, the New York Yankees slugger is rapidly marching to another accomplishment.

An eight game hitting streak has increased Judge’s batting average to .312 entering Sunday, just .004 points behind AL leader Luis Arraez. If he can find a way to surpass the Twins infielder, as well as Xander Bogaerts in second, Judge could win the first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera in 2012.

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge having perfect contract season

Judge has had one of the best contract seasons in recent history. He has produced a .312/.415/.687 batting line in his 625 plate appearances entering Sunday, hitting 57 homers while driving in 123 runs and stealing 16 bases. He leads the majors in on base percentage, slugging, homers, RBI, runs scored, and total bases. It is not a surprise that he is the odds on favorite to earn the AL MVP award despite Shohei Ohtani’s continued brilliance as a two way player.

His trek into free agency did not need to happen. The Yankees had offered a seven year extension worth $213.5 million during the offseason, only for Judge to turn that down and gamble on himself. That gamble is certainly paying off as his impressive season with the bat, coupled with his strong defense in center and right, will make him the most coveted player in free agency.

This season could also lead to a record contract. Judge could easily surpass the $38.5+ million that Anthony Rendon is set to earn in 2023 for the highest salary amongst position players. It would not be a surprise if he challenged Max Scherzer for the highest salary in the majors.

At this point, a Triple Crown would just be the icing on the cake. However, it would be another historic accomplishment, something that could lead to an even larger deal once he hits the market. It would also end any speculation as to who the AL MVP would be – as impressive as Ohtani would be, Judge is making history as well.

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Aaron Judge is getting plenty of attention for his home run chase. The New York Yankees slugger could end up with a Triple Crown as well.

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