Aaron Judge is putting together another strong season, even as the Yankees work through some struggles. That hasn’t stopped him from piling up impressive personal stats — something that became the focus of a recent question from Alex Rodriguez, who put the Bombers’ captain on the spot with a tough choice.
During an interview, A-Rod asked Judge which he would rather have: hits and a high batting average, or home runs and high slugging? Judge laughed and took a moment to think before answering.
“People think the long ball… but I think honestly, just… for me all the players I watch through the years they hit for high average…” Judge said. In his view, getting on base is the most important, so he ultimately chose the first option: average over power.
Judge is dominating in both categories
Despite the Yankees’ most recent and historically painful loss, Judge still managed to shine at the plate. He launched two home runs against the Dodgers — the team’s only runs of the game — and raised his batting average to .398, the highest among his teammates and the best in MLB at the moment.
As for his 21 home runs, even though he didn’t pick that side in A-Rod’s question during the FOX Sports interview, Judge currently ranks second in the MLB, just behind Shohei Ohtani and Cal Raleigh, who are tied at 22.
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A-Rod’s power and average in perspective
Looking back, Alex Rodriguez had his career-high home run season in 2002 when he hit 57 bombs with the Texas Rangers. His best season with the Yankees came in 2007 with 54 homers.
Over his 22-year career, A-Rod finished with a .295 batting average, peaking in 2005 with a .321 BA as a Yankee. His best season average came earlier, in 1996, when he hit .358 with the Seattle Mariners.
