Aaron Judge is a towering figure in baseball, both literally and figuratively. At 6'7" and 282 pounds, he's a homerun-hitting colossus who's redefined power in the modern era. With numerous accolades and record-breaking campaigns to his name, Judge has cemented himself as one of the greatest ballplayers in recent memory. But does he already have a spot on the roster of All Time New York Yankees, rubbing shoulders with legends like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle? That's a tough question, given the crowded outfield. Let's dive in.
The Case for Judge as an All Time Yankee
Judge's stats are staggering. From his cup of coffee in 2016 through the end of the 2024 season, he compiled 315 homeruns, 736 runs, 716 RBI, and an OPS of 1.010. During his 2017 rookie year he led the league in runs with 128, walks with a rookie-record 127, and homers with a rookie-record 52 (since surpassed by Pete Alonso). This earned him not only the AL Rookie of the Year award but also a second place finish in the MVP race. In 2022, he smashed 62 homers, breaking Roger Maris's AL record and securing his first MVP. He again had the most walks in the league, and also led baseball in runs (a career high 133) as well as RBI, total bases, OBP, SLG, and OPS. He continued to rake in 2023 but injuries limited him to only 106 games. Healthy once again in 2024, he set career highs in walks with 133 and RBI with 144. Both led the majors, as did his 58 homers and career-best rate stats: a .458 OBP, .701 SLG, and 1.159 OPS. His .322 batting average was also a new personal record, as were his AL-best 392 total bases. He was awarded the MVP unanimously and helped New York win the pennant.
Beyond numbers, Judge's impact is seismic. He's the face of the Yankees, their captain since 2023, and a fan favorite throughout the Bronx and beyond. His 2022 season wasn't just a record-setting performance; it was a cultural moment, with every at-bat a must-watch event. At 33, he's still in his prime, adding to his legacy with every swing. He's also an above average baserunner and defender with a cannon for an arm.
Measuring Up to Monument Park
The Yankees' all time outfield and DH spots are a murderer's row. Babe Ruth, widely considered the greatest Yankee ever, is untouchable: 714 homers, a .342 average, and a 1.164 OPS, plus seven World Series rings (four with NYY). Joe DiMaggio hit .325 with 361 homers, nine championships, and three MVPs, all while missing three prime years to military service. Mickey Mantle was the greatest switch hitter of all time, blasting 536 homers, winning three MVPs and seven rings, and maintaining a .421 OBP. Reggie Jackson clubbed 563 career homers and became a New York legend by slashing .361/.460/.778/1.238 across two title-winning postseasons, including three homers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Even if we remove Jackson by exclusively considering accomplishments in pinstripes (which is debatable even though he only played five seasons with the bombers and was already in his thirties), Bernie Williams is waiting in the wings. Often overlooked, he won four titles and combined five All-Star appearances with four gold gloves. Hell, Roger Maris, Dave Winfield, and Rickey Henderson also have to be in the mix.
Work to Do
Judge's raw power — 51 homeruns per 162 games — is the best in MLB history. But his career totals lag due to his late start (he was 25 during his rookie season) and injury issues. Ruth played 15 seasons with the Yankees, DiMaggio 13, Mantle 18, and Williams 16. Judge needs more time to match their volume. Postseason success also matters. Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, Jackson, and Williams combined to play for 25 of the franchise's 27 championship squads, whereas Judge has struggled in the playoffs and lost the only World Series he's played in. He has a long way to go in that department before he can be mentioned in the same breath as Mr. October.
Judge's Current Status
Aaron Judge is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He's off to a scorching start in 2025 and if he plays out his $360 million contract (through 2031) without substantial decline or injuries, he could retire with numbers that rival those of any Bronx Bomber. Another handful of 40-homer seasons and a World Series ring or two could vault him up a tier into the inner pantheon of greatness. His size, strength, skill, and marketability make him a defining player of his generation, but a guaranteed spot on the all time roster of the winningest team in baseball history demands more years of service along with multiple rings.
The positional logjam is brutal. Ruth, DiMaggio, and Mantle are shoo-ins, so there's only one opening for an outfielder or DH. Jackson's legendary playoff heroics give him a strong case in spite of his limited tenure with the club. Williams, despite fewer accolades, deserves to be considered due to his longevity, switch-hitting prowess, and postseason success. Maris, Winfield, and Henderson all had brilliant but relatively short peaks as Yankees and also merit consideration, although Judge has likely already surpassed them.
So, does Judge belong yet? He's knocking on the door, but it's far from certain. A few more monster seasons and some October magic could change that. What's your take? Is Judge already an all time Yankee, or does he need to do more? Share your thoughts on our social media and create your team at goat-vote.com/baseball/team?name=Greatest Yankees of All Time.