Aaron Judge continues to etch his name into baseball history, hitting his 300th career home run on Wednesday night. The momentous achievement came in just his 955th career game, making him the fastest player in MLB history to reach this milestone. By comparison, the great Ralph Kiner needed 1,087 games to hit 300 home runs.
The Yankees' slugger played 148 games in 2021, 157 in 2022, and has suited up for 120 of the team's 122 games so far this season. Despite missing a significant number of games in past seasons—50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and 56 in 2022 due to a toe injury—Judge has maintained an exceptional pace.
"It's something that requires constant maintenance," Judge said of his toe injury, a testament to the resilience and determination he has shown throughout his career.
On Pace for Greatness
This season, Judge is projected to finish with 57 home runs, which would push his career total to 314 heading into 2025. Looking further into the future, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years. Should he achieve this, he will end the period with an impressive 482 home runs.
Judge's contract with the Yankees runs through 2031, providing him with ample opportunities to challenge the records of some of baseball's greatest sluggers. The 500-home run club includes legendary figures such as Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). While it is still early to predict where Judge will ultimately land, his current trajectory suggests he will be a strong contender to join this elite group.
A Legendary Pace
Judge's projected career total of 589 home runs would place him just beyond the iconic Frank Robinson, who finished his career with 586 home runs. Other notable members of the 500-home run club include Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630), Jim Thome (612), and Sammy Sosa (609). Rounding out this elite group are Frank Robinson (586), Mark McGwire (583), Harmon Killebrew (571), Rafael Palmeiro (569), Reggie Jackson (563), and Manny Ramirez (555).
Judge's prowess at the plate is a blend of power, precision, and consistency. His ability to overcome injuries and maintain peak performance sets him apart in an era where athletes have to constantly battle both physical and mental challenges.
Judge's Legacy
If he continues on his current path, Aaron Judge is well on his way to securing a place among baseball's all-time greats. His achievements not only highlight his exceptional skill and dedication but also serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring players and fans alike.
For Yankee fans and baseball enthusiasts, Judge's journey is one to watch closely. Each home run, each milestone, and each season adds a new chapter to the story of a player who is not just aiming to break records but also to leave an indelible mark on the sport he loves.