Aaron Judge’s Pursuit of .400: Can He Make History This Summer

By Oliver Wiener June 20, 2025 07:01

Aaron Judge’s pursuit of a .400 batting average in the 2025 MLB season has captivated baseball fans and analysts alike, as the New York Yankees superstar is threading a path toward historic territory rarely seen in modern baseball. Through 66 games, Judge boasts a staggering .394 average, paired with 25 home runs a combination of power and precision that has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.

A Historic Start to the Season

Judge’s .394 batting average after more than two months of play is unprecedented in today’s game, where pitching velocity and specialization have made hitting for average increasingly difficult. MLB statistician Sarah Langs highlights that no player in history with 25 or more home runs over 66 games has ever posted such a high batting average. The closest is Mickey Mantle in 1956, who hit .381 with 27 homers over the same span. Judge’s ability to combine elite power with a near-.400 average is reshaping what is possible at the plate.

His current .372 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is on pace to shatter the all-time mark of .443 set by Ty Cobb in 1911, an extraordinary feat for a power hitter. Traditionally, high BABIP numbers are associated with contact hitters from the dead-ball era, but Judge’s blend of power and contact is rewriting those norms.

The Triple Crown in Sight

Judge is not only chasing a historic batting average but also positioning himself as a strong contender for the American League Triple Crown leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. With 26 home runs and 60 RBIs already this season, he is on track to eclipse his own AL home run record and contend for the batting title.

Despite a slight uptick in strikeout rate recently, Judge’s overall offensive metrics remain elite. He is homering in more than 8% of his plate appearances for the fourth consecutive season, underscoring his sustained dominance. His strikeout rate, while higher than in his early career, aligns with his recent performance levels, showing a refined approach at the plate.

Can He Sustain the Pace?

While Judge’s start is historic, experts caution that sustaining a .400 average over a full season is extraordinarily difficult in the modern era. ESPN analyst Jorge Castillo notes that only one player, Luis Arraez, has hit .350 or better since 2010, and no one has finished a season at .360 or above since Joe Mauer in 2009. Judge’s BABIP is significantly higher than his career average (.344), suggesting a regression is likely.

Still, simply winning the batting title would be a monumental achievement for a slugger of Judge’s profile. His combination of power and contact hitting is rare, and his current pace has already rewritten expectations.

Judge’s Perspective and Legacy

Judge remains focused on the process rather than the numbers. In interviews, he emphasizes the importance of consistency and staying locked in at the plate. “I’m just trying to do my job every day and help the team win,” Judge said after a recent game. His humility and work ethic have endeared him to teammates and fans alike.

If Judge maintains even a fraction of his current pace, he will not only make history but also solidify his standing among baseball’s all-time greats. His 2025 season is a testament to his evolution as a hitter from a prodigious power threat with high strikeouts to a more complete, disciplined batter capable of chasing the elusive .400 mark.

Aaron Judge’s pursuit of a .400 batting average this summer is one of the most compelling storylines in baseball history. His blend of power, precision, and consistency has placed him in rarified air, challenging records that have stood for over a century. Whether he sustains this pace or not, Judge’s 2025 campaign is already cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest hitters.