Aaron Judge‘s 2024 MLB season was nothing short of extraordinary. The New York Yankees captain dominated the regular season, smashing 58 home runs, driving in 144 RBIs, and achieving a 1.159 OPS.
His record-breaking performance even placed him alongside legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. Yet, despite these accomplishments, one glaring issue remains: Judge has yet to secure a World Series ring.
For Yankees fans, regular-season success means little without October glory. Judge‘s postseason performance, while not terrible, failed to meet the expectations set by his regular-season heroics. With just three home runs and nine RBIs during the playoffs, critics were vocal.
One fan summed up the sentiment: “Still no ring.” Judge‘s postseason struggles, including an infamous dropped fly ball during Game 5 of the World Series, have added fuel to the fire. This misstep allowed the Dodgers to rally and ultimately take control of the game.
Learning from Mahomes
To silence his critics and cement his legacy, Judge might take a page from NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ playbook. Much like Judge, Mahomes was celebrated for his talent but initially faced doubts about his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Over time, Mahomes adjusted his strategy, honing his situational awareness and teamwork to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to two Super Bowl victories.
Judge could benefit from this approach. While his regular-season stats are already legendary, postseason success requires a different mindset. It’s about adapting to the high-stakes environment and ensuring peak performance when it matters most.
The Yankees’ last World Series victory came in 2009, and fans’ patience is wearing thin. Judge‘s partnership with Juan Soto in 2024 produced a combined 99 home runs, showcasing the team’s offensive power. Yet, even with this firepower, the Yankees fell short.
As one fan rationalized, “If people only care about the postseason, then sports are never going to be fun for them.” However, for Yankees supporters, the postseason is everything.
Despite the setbacks, Judge remains a player who inspires admiration. Paul Goldschmidt recently called him “one of the best hitters in the world.” But accolades alone won’t satisfy fans.
The 2025 season presents Judge with an opportunity to redefine his narrative. By focusing on postseason preparedness and adopting a strategic approach, Judge can finally deliver the championship fans have been craving-and secure his place among the legends of baseball.
Read the full article here
