Yankees’ Aaron Judge Struggles Amidst Early Season Slump
As the New York Yankees navigate through the early stages of the 2024 MLB season, one glaring concern has emerged: the struggles of superstar outfielder Aaron Judge. Despite his reputation as a premier hitter in the league, Judge has faltered at the plate, leading to questions about his productivity and impact on the team’s success.
Hitting coach James Rowson acknowledges Judge’s noticeable struggles, emphasizing the need for him to regain his form at the plate. While Rowson remains optimistic about Judge’s ability to bounce back, there is a level of concern surrounding his performance thus far.
Judge’s statistics paint a sobering picture of his struggles. With a batting average of .209 and 43 strikeouts in 129 at-bats, he leads the American League in strikeouts and has grounded into the most double plays in the entire Major Leagues. These numbers underscore Judge’s difficulties in delivering offensively and advancing runners on the bases.
Furthermore, Judge’s power numbers have also seen a decline compared to previous seasons. Despite hitting six home runs in 35 games, his hard-hit percentage is at its lowest since 2020, and his sweet spot and barrel percentages are among the lowest of his career.
The addition of superstar slugger Juan Soto to the Yankees’ lineup adds to the urgency of addressing Judge’s slump. With aspirations of contending for a World Series title, the Yankees need Judge to rediscover his form quickly to bolster their offensive firepower.
Rowson is committed to working with Judge to refine his swing and fundamentals in hopes of sparking a turnaround. Despite his struggles, Judge’s track record and talent suggest that he is capable of breaking out of his slump and returning to his dominant form.
As the Yankees look to solidify their position as championship contenders, the resurgence of Aaron Judge will be instrumental in shaping their success moving forward.
