Aaron Judge Hits 30th Home Run: Is He on Pace for Another MVP Season?

By Oliver Wiener July 01, 2025 04:14

Aaron Judge’s 30th home run of the 2025 season, reached on June 29 during the Yankees’ commanding 12-5 victory over the Athletics, has reignited the debate: Is Judge on pace for another MVP-caliber campaign? His historic power surge and elite batting metrics suggest the answer is a resounding yes.

Matching and Surpassing Legends

Judge’s milestone places him in rarefied company. He has now hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in MLB history. Remarkably, Judge has matched Babe Ruth’s record of hitting at least 30 homers before game 85 in four different seasons, a testament to his consistent power hitting over time. Judge’s 321 home runs through his first 1,000 games with the Yankees also tie him with Ruth, underscoring his place among the greatest sluggers in franchise history.

Statistical Dominance

Beyond home runs, Judge’s overall offensive production is elite. Through the first half of the 2025 season, he boasts a .358 batting average and an OPS of 1.170, numbers that place him among the league’s absolute best hitters. His ability to hit for average and power simultaneously is rare; Judge’s slugging percentage hovers near .724, while his on-base percentage is an impressive .464. This combination fuels his run production and keeps him a constant threat at the plate.

Judge’s bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) is projected at 11.9, a figure only five position players have ever reached through a full season, placing him in historic territory. Despite a brief slump in mid-June where he went 2-for-22, Judge quickly rebounded, demonstrating the resilience and focus that have defined his career.

The Impact on the Yankees

Judge’s power surge has been a catalyst for the Yankees’ offense, providing clutch hits and leadership. His two-run homers against the Athletics on June 29 not only secured his 29th and 30th homers but also helped the Yankees maintain their position as one of the American League’s top contenders.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Judge’s impact, saying, “Aaron’s presence in the lineup changes the game. Pitchers have to respect him every pitch, and that opens things up for the rest of the team. His work ethic and focus are unmatched.”

The MVP Conversation

While Judge’s numbers are extraordinary, he faces stiff competition for the MVP award. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh leads the American League with 32 home runs and boasts 69 RBIs, putting him in the conversation alongside Judge. However, Judge’s combination of power, average, and on-base skills gives him an edge in overall value.

Baseball analyst Jessica Morales notes, “Judge is doing something special this year. His ability to combine power with a high batting average and run production puts him in the MVP conversation every season he’s healthy. If he keeps this pace, it’s hard to imagine voters looking past him.”

What Lies Ahead

If Judge maintains his current pace, he is on track to finish the season with over 60 home runs, potentially surpassing his 62-homer campaign in 2022. His consistency and durability will be key factors as the season unfolds, but early signs indicate he is primed for another historic year.

In sum, Aaron Judge’s 30th home run is more than just a milestone it’s a statement that he remains one of baseball’s most dominant forces. With his blend of power, average, and leadership, Judge is undoubtedly on pace for another MVP-worthy season, continuing to etch his name alongside the legends of the game.