Aaron Judge Becomes Fastest to 300 Homers
On a historic Wednesday night, Aaron Judge etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball by becoming the fastest player to reach 300 career home runs. Judge achieved this feat in just his 955th career game, outpacing Ralph Kiner, who took 1,087 games to accomplish the same milestone.
Judge has been a dominant force in MLB since his debut, and his rapid ascent to 300 home runs is a testament to his extraordinary talent and consistency. Over the past few seasons, Judge’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable. Playing 148 games in 2021, 157 in 2022, and 120 of the 122 games so far in 2023, Judge has showcased both durability and explosive power at the plate.
Injuries have, however, been a part of his journey. Judge missed 50 games in 2018, 60 in 2019, and another 56 games last season due to a toe injury. Reflecting on his injury struggles, Judge remarked that managing his toe injury requires "constant maintenance." Despite these setbacks, he continues to perform at a high level.
As the Yankees' cornerstone, Judge remains an integral part of their offensive lineup. This season, he is projected to finish with 57 home runs, which would push his career total to 314 heading into the 2025 campaign. With his current pace, Judge is expected to average 42 home runs per season over the next four years, potentially elevating his career total to 482 by the end of that period.
Judge’s long-term projections put him on track to join the elite 500-home run club, which includes legendary sluggers such as Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). While his career path may not reach the astronomical figures of these all-time greats, Judge's anticipated total of 589 home runs by the end of his current contract with the Yankees in 2031 would firmly establish him among the sport’s most prolific power hitters. This projection would place him just ahead of Frank Robinson, who retired with 586 home runs, and significantly ahead of luminaries like Harmon Killebrew (571) and Reggie Jackson (563).
The legacy of the 500-home run club is rich with names that have shaped the game’s history. Alex Rodriguez stands at 696 home runs, while Willie Mays and Ken Griffey Jr. round out the top tier with 660 and 630 homers, respectively. Others like Jim Thome (612), Sammy Sosa (609), and Mark McGwire (583) further illustrate the rarefied company Judge could eventually keep.
Judge's career thus far has been a blend of power, precision, and perseverance. As he continues to write his story, Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, cheering for each home run that takes him closer to those historic benchmarks. The road ahead promises excitement, with every game and every swing adding to the narrative of one of MLB's brightest stars.