Jessica Mendoza has critically examined Aaron Judge’s struggles during the postseason, discussing the steps he can take to turn things around.
The New York Yankees find themselves in a challenging position as they face the possibility of elimination in the World Series. After Judge’s disappointing performance in Game 3, where he went 0-for-3 with another strikeout, there is increasing pressure on the superstar slugger to make a significant impact. Yankees hitting coach James Rowson remains optimistic, suggesting that Judge is “one swing away” from breaking out and rewriting the narrative of his October performance.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of a World Series sweep, Judge’s opportunities to shine are dwindling. Insiders are pointing out a key issue: Judge has been chasing too many pitches outside the strike zone. An American League scout noted that the Dodgers are utilizing breaking pitches that Judge struggles to handle, leading to a significant increase in his swing and miss rate. Notably, Judge has recorded only a .071 batting average against breaking pitches in the playoffs, a stark contrast to his .258 average during the regular season.
While Judge still performs well against fastballs, hitting .364 with a 1.429 OPS against pitches over 95 mph, he has seen fewer fastballs in this postseason than he did throughout the regular season. This shift is proving frustrating for him, as indicated by the remarks of former MVP Ryan Howard, who believes Judge may be feeling the pressure and getting in his own head when facing these pitches.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone is standing firm behind Judge, refusing to consider moving him in the lineup as the pressure mounts. Other executives in baseball echo Boone’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of sticking with your key players during critical moments.
Looking ahead, the path to redemption for Judge may lie in patience and discipline at the plate. The importance of getting pitches in the strike zone and leveraging his ability to draw walks is vital. Although Judge has walked eight times this postseason, his recent struggles mean he’s drawn only two walks in the last seven games compared to his league-leading 133 walks during the regular season. Experts advise Judge to trust his instincts at the plate and focus on waiting for the right pitches, allowing him to regain his formidable form.
For the Yankees, the hope remains that Judge can find his rhythm just in time to aid their bid for an incredible comeback. As one scout noted, Judge has the strength and capability to drive the ball anywhere in the park, and once he begins using the entire field effectively, fans may witness the Aaron Judge they admired all season long.
In summary, while Judge’s current slump is concerning, the potential for a turnaround remains if he can adjust his approach and regain confidence at the plate. This resilience could be key to shifting the momentum in the Yankees’ favor during a crucial point in the postseason.