Aaron Judge: Chasing Legends, Powering Yankees' Playoff Push

Aaron Judge BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Aaron Judge has captivated the baseball world yet again, with headlines focused on his climb through Yankees history and his chase for individual hardware, all while leading New York on a critical September playoff push. Just days ago, Judge crushed his 358th career home run in pinstripes, tying the great Yogi Berra for fifth on the franchise’s all-time list—a leaderboard that hadn’t changed in almost seven decades. Postgame, he told MLB.com that wearing the Yankee jersey meant the world to him and that sharing a spot with Berra was “pretty cool,” further cementing Judge’s reputation as both humble and historically significant. Sports Illustrated and Yanksgoyard.com both highlighted the milestone, suggesting Judge is well on pace to pass DiMaggio and Mantle next, and speculation is already building about his trajectory toward the 500 home run club.

On the field, Judge’s bat is still feared—but he’s been in a relative “slump” by his own standards following a brief 10-day absence for a right elbow strain. According to ABC7NY and The Athletic, Judge hit .241 with six homers and 12 RBIs over 24 August games after coming off the IL. Crucially, he hasn’t played defense since, confining him to designated hitter duties on the road and limiting Giancarlo Stanton’s playing time when the Yankees travel. Despite the dip, Judge remains the front-runner for the MVP race as noted by ABC7NY, and with Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh fading, that third MVP could very well be in the cards.

The Yankees, meanwhile, snapped out of their summer malaise, igniting a seven-game win streak that sent playoff hopes soaring. Judge was at the center of it, hitting his 42nd home run as crowds in the Bronx rediscovered optimism. The stretch lifted New York back into serious AL East and Wild Card contention, as recapped by Essentiallysports, with manager Aaron Boone’s job security and the team’s post-season fate now tied to every Judge at-bat. Judge himself, speaking to reporters and quoted by MLB.com, insisted the team has “something to prove, more to ourselves than anybody else,” ahead of a looming gauntlet against division leaders Houston, Toronto, Detroit, and Boston.

Off the diamond, Judge’s financial empire continues to grow. Journal Bharat reports his net worth approaches $55 million, fueled by his Yankees salary, endorsement deals, and various business activities—though there’s been no news lately of new ventures or marketing launches.

A recent September call-up story from Bleeding Yankee Blue reminded fans that the Yankees acquired outfielder Austin Slater during Judge’s injury stint, a move suggesting the organization’s recognition of how vital Judge is to their offense and postseason ambitions.

As for social media—Judge’s milestone home run, leadership during the win streak, and recovery from injury have dominated conversations, with fans and analysts speculating on his chance to win the batting crown. Heavy Sports notes Judge leads the AL with a .321 average and a towering 1.100 OPS. If he can sustain that pace, he’ll join an elite fraternity of players who paired 40+ homers with a .300-plus average.

There’s no credible chatter about off-field controversies, charity appearances, or surprise business deals. As the Yankees gear up for their toughest stretch of the year, every Judge at-bat feels loaded with biographical weight. A third MVP, postseason glory, and more shattered records may lie just ahead.

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta