In 2022, Aaron Judge took the baseball world by storm, smashing 62 home runs and breaking Roger Maris’ long-standing American League record of 61, set in 1961. As we approach the end of the 2024 season, Judge finds himself once again in the spotlight, though this time chasing his own historic milestone. Can the Yankees' superstar come close to his incredible 2022 performance?

Judge’s 2024 Home Run Pace vs. 2022
As of September 6, 2024, Judge’s home run count lags behind his remarkable 2022 pace. By this point in 2022, Judge had already hit 55 home runs, compared to his current total in 2024, which is trailing slightly. In his 2022 campaign, Judge hit home runs in rapid succession during September, including five between September 7 and September 18, en route to breaking the record.

This year, Judge is still one of the top home run hitters in the league but is slightly behind where he was two years ago. His consistency and ability to deliver in key moments, however, remain unmatched.

Judge's Power in Numbers: Sabermetric Superiority
What sets Aaron Judge apart from other sluggers are the elite metrics that capture his raw power. In 2022, Judge consistently displayed some of the highest exit velocities in MLB history. One of his most impressive blasts came when he hit a 495-foot home run in 2017, with an exit velocity of 118.6 mph, demonstrating his tremendous bat speed.

Another standout metric from Judge’s 2022 campaign was his 61st home run, which left the bat at 117.4 mph with a launch angle of 35 degrees. His ability to combine exit velocity with the perfect launch angle makes him one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. Judge’s consistent ability to barrel up the ball with maximum efficiency is reflected in his Barrel % and Hard-Hit % rates, which are among the highest in the league.

In addition, Judge has hit some of the longest home runs in the Statcast era. One of his deepest home runs traveled an astonishing 495 feet, further showcasing the sheer power he brings to every swing.

Can Judge Break His Own Record in 2024?
While the odds of Judge reaching 62 home runs again this year are slim, it’s not impossible. Judge is known for hitting home runs in bunches, and with a hot streak in September, he could make a push. His power metrics continue to be elite, and his ability to consistently launch the ball with such high exit velocities gives him a chance to surprise even the most optimistic fans.
Whether or not Judge hits 62 again, his place as one of the best power hitters in baseball history is already solidified. His combination of size, strength, and baseball IQ ensures that every time he steps to the plate, there’s a chance for history to be made.

This season may not match the record-breaking pace of 2022, but Judge’s ability to hit home runs consistently and his mastery of power metrics remain unparalleled in today’s game. Keep watching, as Judge is always capable of a late-season surge that could once again etch his name into the record books.