Aaron Judge is poised to become the fifth player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs in three different seasons. This feat places him in a distinguished group alongside Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth, and Sammy Sosa, who each accomplished this four times, and Alex Rodriguez, who achieved it three times. Remarkably, Judge is on track to join Ruth as the only player in this category who is not associated with performance-enhancing drugs.
Judge’s performance is a testament to his exceptional abilities and suggests a bright future as he continues to climb the ranks of MLB greats. Next year will mark Judge’s 10th season, making him eligible for the Hall of Fame. His career trajectory indicates that he could extend his prime and strengthen his case for Cooperstown. Despite this, some argue that Judge’s resume may still be lacking compared to other all-time Yankees, particularly when it comes to postseason achievements and championships.
In evaluating Judge’s place among the Yankees’ all-time greats, it’s important to consider both his individual accomplishments and his impact on the team’s success. The Yankees’ history is rich with iconic players, and the franchise’s standards are exceptionally high. Titles and championships often weigh heavily in these discussions, and Judge’s potential lack of World Series victories could influence his standing in the organization’s hierarchy.
For context, when comparing Judge to historic Yankees, it’s useful to consider the opinions of respected baseball writers and analysts. Jon Heyman, Mike Vaccaro, and Ken Davidoff, whose perspectives I deeply respect, have weighed in on Judge’s placement in the Yankees’ all-time rankings. Heyman and Vaccaro have ranked Judge as high as seventh, while Davidoff places him 14th. This disparity reflects ongoing debates about the value of individual performance versus team success.
Traditional Yankees Mount Rushmore candidates usually include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle. These players are widely celebrated for their unparalleled impact on the game and the Yankees. The subsequent tier typically features other Yankees legends like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Each of these players combined career brilliance with significant postseason accomplishments, making them strong candidates for the top 10.
Judge’s impressive regular-season statistics and potential for further accolades could elevate him past players like Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, and Dave Winfield. Maris, for example, won two MVPs and was crucial in five consecutive World Series appearances from 1960-64, while Jackson contributed significantly to two championships in his five-year stint with the Yankees. Winfield’s tenure was marred by a poor World Series performance and contentious moments with management, but he remains a standout player.
Don Mattingly, who played during a less successful era for the Yankees, is also surpassed by Judge in terms of career achievements. Mattingly’s exceptional play was confined to a shorter period and limited postseason success. Judge’s ongoing performance, including becoming the fastest to reach 300 home runs, allows him to outpace Mattingly and others.
However, some historical figures like Bill Dickey, Lefty Gomez, and Red Ruffing remain significant in Yankees lore. Dickey, a Hall of Famer and eight-time World Series champion, and Ruffing, a pitcher with an impressive career but cut short by military service, are often debated for their positions on this list.
Alex Rodriguez, with his two MVP awards and a World Series championship as a Yankee, is a more complex case due to his association with performance enhancers. His contributions are significant but viewed with controversy compared to players like Andy Pettitte, who, despite being named in the Mitchell Report, is remembered more favorably due to his five championships and less contentious history with the team.
Bernie Williams, a crucial figure during the Yankees’ late-1990s dynasty, also deserves consideration. His role as a key offensive force during the Yankees’ championship years places him ahead of Judge, although Judge’s individual achievements might eventually surpass Williams’ historic impact.
Given the current standings, Judge is best placed at 13th on my list, following:
- Babe Ruth
- Joe DiMaggio
- Mickey Mantle
- Lou Gehrig
- Yogi Berra
- Derek Jeter
- Whitey Ford
- Mariano Rivera
- Red Ruffing
- Bill Dickey
- Bernie Williams
- Andy Pettitte
This ranking reflects Judge’s significant accomplishments while acknowledging that his career is ongoing and his legacy is still being defined. The debate around Judge’s place in Yankees history underscores the challenge of ranking players across eras and evaluating their contributions in different contexts.
In addition to Judge’s historical positioning, the Manager of the Year awards are also noteworthy. Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians and Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers are strong contenders. Both took over teams with high expectations, and their success is a testament to their managerial skills. Joe Espada of the Houston Astros and Mike Shildt of the San Diego Padres also deserve recognition for their roles in leading their teams through challenging seasons.
Lastly, the performance of former Yankees pitchers Carlos Rodon and Luis Severino in 2024 highlights the value of durability. Both struggled in 2023 but have shown resilience this season. Rodon and Severino’s ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently is a positive development for their respective teams.
Overall, Aaron Judge’s place in Yankees history is a topic of ongoing discussion, reflecting the complexities of evaluating greatness in a storied franchise. His achievements are notable, but the ultimate assessment of his career will depend on his future accomplishments and potential postseason success.
