As the 2023 Major League Baseball season progresses, fans are witnessing a display of power and talent reminiscent of the sport's greatest eras. Aaron Judge, the towering New York Yankees slugger who shattered the American League single-season home run record with 62 home runs in 2022, is once again making headlines. This season, Judge has already amassed 51 home runs and is on pace to surpass his own record, with projections indicating he could finish the season with 63 home runs.
Judge's extraordinary performance has been a driving force for the Yankees. His current Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4 underlines his immense value to the team. If he continues at this pace, his season-long WAR could reach an astonishing 11.5, a figure only surpassed by Barry Bonds' 11.7 WAR in 2002. This feat not only cements Judge's status as one of the premier players in the league but also highlights his critical role in the Yankees’ pursuit of postseason success.
Not far behind in the home run race is Juan Soto, another monumental talent and pending free agent. Soto has belted 37 home runs thus far, placing him tied for fourth in the league. With a projected total of 45 home runs by season's end, Soto is solidifying his reputation as a consistent power hitter. His contributions are equally significant in terms of overall performance; Soto boasts a WAR of 7.5, ranking him fourth in Major League Baseball. Should he maintain this trajectory, his season-long WAR could reach 9.2.
When considering the combined power and influence of Judge and Soto, the statistics become even more impressive. Collectively, they are on pace for 108 home runs this season, a rare achievement in the annals of baseball history. Only five previous pairs of teammates have ever reached this combined home run total in a single season. Remarkably, the only team to feature two players surpassing 50 home runs in the same season was the 1961 Yankees, a legendary squad that featured icons like Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
This season could see the Yankees breaking another long-standing record: the combined WAR of Judge and Soto. Since 1927, the team has not had two teammates each accumulate a WAR over 10 in a single season. The 1927 Yankees, often regarded as the greatest team in baseball history, were led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, both of whom posted exceptional WAR figures. Judge and Soto now have the opportunity to etch their names alongside these storied legends of the sport.
For Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, the current season offers a thrilling spectacle. The prowess of Judge and Soto at the plate, their disciplined approach, and their consistent contributions on the field create a dynamic that captures the essence of baseball at its finest. As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on these two powerhouses, not just for their individual achievements but also for their potential to rewrite the record books and carry the Yankees to new heights.