"He doesn't compare to Aaron Judge in any way" - MLB insider shreds comparison of Pete Alonso and Yankees captain
Ever since Pete Alonso stepped into the record books in 2019, he's been compared to Aaron Judge. The first baseman's 53 home runs were one more than Judge had in 2017. Judge broke the rookie record and then Alonso broke his record. They've been compared as power hitters ever since.
MLB analyst Chris McMonigle said the comparisons are getting out of hand. He noted that Alonso is one of the best home run hitters in baseball and acknowledged that. Even though it is the result of injury, Alonso has more home runs than Judge since 2019.
That's where McMonigle stepped in to say that the New York Yankees captain is still better regardless, via Audacy:
“Right now, Judge is almost doubling Alonso in home runs this year. Alonso is a great slugger. He’s one of the best home run hitters in the league. He doesn’t compare to Aaron Judge in any way, shape or form, including power.”
There is a health asterisk sometimes needed, but Judge routinely hits a ton of home runs when healthy. McMonigle noted that he's up to 32 already and it's not even the All-Star break.
He added:
“Alonso is a slugger and deserves to be in the Home Run Derby, but the best home run hitter in baseball bar none? Come on. Judge has hit 62, and he’ll probably hit around 55 this year.”
The New York Mets star is a premium power hitter and a regular at the Home Run Derby. That still doesn't make him better than Judge according to McMonigle.
How Pete Alonso stacks up to Aaron Judge
Since 2019, Pete Alonso's rookie season, he leads MLB in home runs with 210. During that span, Aaron Judge has hit 206 (in 142 fewer games). Otherwise, Judge has the advantage across the board.
Since that season, Judge has led baseball in wRC+ with 175. Alonso ranks 22nd among all hitters. In terms of isolated power, Judge is first once again with .320. Alonso is sixth with .270.
The fWAR is also not close. Despite some injury-plagued seasons, Judge leads all players with 32.5 fWAR and Alonso has accumulated 16.5. Excluding the injury-impacted total of home runs, Judge has been superior to almost everyone over the last five years.