NEW YORK — Aaron Judge is widely regarded as the top hitter in baseball, and in just a few weeks, he is expected to secure his second AL MVP award in three seasons. When at his best, Judge makes each visit to the batter’s box a daunting challenge for opposing pitchers.
However, since the start of October, during a crucial phase of the playoffs, Judge’s performance has been disappointing. As the Yankees return home, they urgently need their captain to regain his form, or they could see their season end painfully in the World Series against the Dodgers.
Judge’s struggles come as the Yankees grapple with a 2-0 series deficit, causing him to press at the plate. “I definitely have to step up. I need to do my job,” Judge expressed to reporters following Game 2. “The guys around here are doing their jobs and getting on base. I’m letting them down by not backing them up. We need to turn this around.”
In the postseason, Judge’s performance has been subpar, hitting just .150 (6-for-40) with two home runs, seven walks, and a staggering 19 strikeouts. While strikeouts have been a part of Judge’s game—he recorded 171 during one of the best seasons of any right-handed hitter—the lack of his usual power and the impressive 1.159 OPS achieved during the regular season is concerning.
What sets Judge apart is his ability to make contact in the strike zone nearly impossible for pitchers. Typically, the only strategy they have against him is to hope he expands the strike zone, which he seems to be doing more often in the playoffs compared to the regular season.
“Swing decisions are definitely a factor,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked after his team’s 4-2 defeat in Game 2. “Each player has their own rhythm, and it’s essential to be in a strong position to make effective swing decisions.”
The Dodgers have been effectively getting ahead in the count against Judge, and once he faces two strikes, he has been unable to convert, striking out against various pitches from different pitchers.
Compounding Judge’s struggles is the fact that teammates Gleyber Torres (.389 OBP) and Juan Soto (.460 OBP) have excelled at reaching base, offering opportunities for Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to capitalize.
Judge’s postseason difficulties are not a new phenomenon. Over his career in the playoffs, spanning 55 games, he has a .199/.304/.436 batting line with 15 home runs and has struck out in over 40% of his 211 postseason at-bats.
As the Yankees head into Game 3 on Monday, the time for excuses is over. The reality is that the Yankees cannot hope to win the World Series with Judge underperforming, and the pressure intensifies now that they find themselves down 2-0 in the series.
“It definitely weighs on you,” Judge admitted. “You want to help the team, but that’s why you must keep working and refining your swing. I can’t wallow in self-pity. Nobody is feeling sorry for me.”