Aaron Judge’s 2023 season was marked by a slow start and a disappointing playoff performance that contributed to the Yankees falling short of a World Series title. Recognizing the impact of his early-season struggles, Judge is making a concerted effort to get more at-bats before Opening Day.
In a recent Grapefruit League game against Houston, he stepped up to the plate twice, signaling his intent to sharpen his hitting before the regular season kicks off. This proactive approach is a direct response to last year’s challenges and a strategy to avoid another sluggish start.
Judge’s Midseason Surge Highlights Importance of a Strong Start for Yankees
Judge’s plan for 2024 includes significantly more spring training at-bats compared to last year. In 2023, he managed only 24 at-bats due to mid-spring fatigue, which led Yankees manager Aaron Boone to give him a 10-day rest period. This year, Judge is targeting 40 to 50 at-bats in either Grapefruit League matchups or simulated games. His goal is to ensure that he is fully prepared and in peak form by Opening Day, hoping that the additional repetitions will translate into a stronger performance in April.
Aaron Judge (MLB)Historically, April has been Judge’s least productive month, despite still maintaining an impressive career OPS of .940. In 2023, however, his numbers in the opening month were significantly below his standards—he hit just six home runs with a .754 OPS.
While he felt prepared going into last season, Judge acknowledges that increasing his spring workload could be the key to improving his early-season output. Comparing his training to weightlifting, he emphasized the importance of extra repetitions to enhance performance, reinforcing his belief that more at-bats could set the tone for a better start.
Judge’s Midseason Surge Highlights Importance of a Strong Start for Yankees
Once Judge found his rhythm in early May, he became the best hitter in baseball. From May 4 onward, he led the league in nearly every offensive category, including a staggering 1.282 OPS, 52 home runs, and a .790 slugging percentage. His dominance put him ahead of even elite hitters like Shohei Ohtani. This drastic turnaround underscores the significance of finding his groove early, as a more consistent start could lead to an even more dominant season overall.
With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined indefinitely due to injuries in both elbows, Judge will be counted on even more as the Yankees’ primary offensive weapon. Compounding the challenge, he no longer has the protection of Juan Soto in the lineup, as Soto has moved to the Mets. This means Judge will likely face even more pressure and attention from opposing pitchers. Now, more than ever, the Yankees’ success hinges on Judge’s ability to hit at an elite level from day one.
