Fastest to 300: Aaron Judge Sets New MLB Record
Wednesday night marked a historic moment in Major League Baseball as Aaron Judge blasted his 300th career home run, setting a record as the fastest player in MLB history to reach this milestone. Taking just 955 career games to achieve this feat, Judge has eclipsed the previous record held by Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who reached 300 home runs in 1,087 games.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Judge's raw power and consistency at the plate. Over the last few seasons, Judge has demonstrated not only his offensive prowess but also an impressive resilience in the face of injuries. He played 148 games in 2021 and 157 in 2022. Despite missing 56 games last year due to a toe injury, he has been a consistent presence in the Yankees' lineup this season, participating in 120 of the 122 games thus far.
Judge's journey to 300 home runs, however, has not been without its hurdles. He missed substantial time in multiple seasons: 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and the significant chunk of 2022 mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, Judge has managed to maintain an astonishing level of performance despite these setbacks. Reflecting on his injuries, Judge commented, "Constant maintenance," underscoring the ongoing care required to manage his toe issue.
This season, Judge is projected to finish with 57 home runs, which would elevate his career total to 314 as he moves into the 2025 season. Looking ahead, if the projections hold true, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years. This would bring his projected career total to 482 by the conclusion of this period. Such a trajectory suggests that Judge is well on his way to joining the elite 500-home run club—a fraternity that includes legendary hitters like Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714).
Elite Company
The 500-home run club is one of the most exclusive groups in baseball history. Iconic players such as Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), and Ken Griffey Jr. (630) have all reached this milestone, and Judge is poised to etch his name among these all-time greats. If his current pace continues, Judge’s projected career total of 589 home runs would position him just beyond Frank Robinson, who sits at 586 home runs.
Judge's power at the plate, combined with his ability to adapt and overcome obstacles, makes him one of the most captivating players to watch in today's game. His contract with the Yankees, which runs through 2031, ensures that fans will have several more seasons to witness his pursuit of historic records.
Longevity and Legacy
For Aaron Judge, the path to greatness is paved with both towering home runs and the ability to adapt to and overcome physical challenges. Projects show that through his consistent average of 42 home runs per season over the next four years, Judge not only has the potential to join but to excel within the ranks of the coveted 500-home run club.
As Judge continues on this trajectory, his legacy in Major League Baseball seems all but assured. His name is already being mentioned alongside some of the game's greatest hitters, a testament to his incredible achievements thus far and the potential for much more in the coming years. For now, the baseball world watches with bated breath as Judge continues to shatter records and forge a path that may one day place him among the immortals of the sport.