CONGRATULATIONS – Aaron Judge’s MVP-Level Season Silences Doubters
NEW YORK — Aaron Judge has heard the chatter all year: Can he stay healthy? Can he replicate his record-setting power surge? As the regular season winds down, the Yankees’ captain has answered every question with a thunderous swing and a stat line that leaves little room for debate.
Judge’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Entering the final stretch, the towering slugger leads the American League in home runs and on-base plus slugging (OPS), while ranking among the top three in runs scored and walks. His blend of patience and punishing power has carried a Yankees lineup that’s endured injuries and inconsistency.
“He’s the MVP,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He impacts the game in every way—offense, defense, leadership. You see the way pitchers pitch around him, and he still finds a way to beat them.”
Tuesday night offered the latest highlight. Facing the division-leading Orioles, Judge smashed a 437-foot home run to dead center in the first inning, then added a run-saving catch at the wall in the fifth. The Bronx crowd roared “M-V-P” with each at-bat, a chant that has become a familiar soundtrack at Yankee Stadium.
“I just try to help us win,” Judge said, brushing off MVP talk with his trademark humility. “The numbers are nice, but we’re focused on October. That’s what matters.”
Still, the numbers demand attention. Since returning from an early-season toe injury, Judge has posted a .320 batting average with a league-leading slugging percentage. His hard-hit rate remains among the highest in baseball, a testament to his combination of strength and discipline.
Former players and analysts have taken notice. On social media, commentator Randy Wilkins summed up the consensus: “Judge is the MVP. I have no idea what the argument is against him other than talking about catcher home runs. He’s having a better year overall by a pretty significant margin.”
Judge’s contributions go beyond the box score. His presence in the clubhouse has steadied a young roster, and his willingness to mentor rising stars such as Anthony Volpe has drawn praise from teammates. “He leads by example,” said veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo. “The way he prepares, the way he carries himself—it elevates everyone around him.”
The Yankees, who have battled for a Wild Card spot all summer, know that their captain’s form is critical to any postseason run. “We feed off his energy,” Boone said. “When he’s locked in, we’re a different team.”
For Judge, the accolades are secondary to winning, but he acknowledges the honor of being in the MVP conversation again. “It means a lot,” he said. “You don’t get there without great teammates and coaches. I’m just trying to play my part.”
As the regular season closes, it’s clear that Judge has done more than play his part—he’s redefined it. In a league full of stars, he stands tallest, both literally and figuratively. If the Yankees reach October glory, the chants of “M-V-P” will only grow louder, echoing long after the final pitch.
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