"Most home runs ever by non-steroid guy" - Ex-MLB star asserts Aaron Judge's 'Yankees legend' status despite no World Series rings
Aaron Judge just completed his latest 50-home-run season for the New York Yankees. The hard-hitting outfielder has dominated opposing pitchers all year and is the frontrunner for another American League MVP Award.
However, the baseball world's emphasis on championship rings has left some questioning Aaron Judge's legacy. Many debate whether the Bronx Bomber is a legend based on his postseason struggles. This issue came to light on an episode of Baseball Today with Chris Rose and Trevor Plouffe.
"Is Aaron Judge only a Yankee great if he wins the World Series? | Baseball Today" - @JM Baseball
While Rose disputed Judge's standing in Yankees history without winning a title, Trevor Plouffe, who spent 9 seasons in the MLB, believes that New York's captain has already cemented himself in team lore.
He has the most home runs ever by non-steroid guy in a single-season and he's going to do it again this year [12:15]," Trevor Plouffe said of Aaron Judge's power surge
Plouffe says Judge has been impactful every season for the Yankees, which is already enough for him to earn legend status. Baseball is a team sport, and Judge can't win a title alone. Plouffe said the same thing about Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
"You can't do it on your own, we've seen it time and time again with Mike Trout dude [13:15]," Plouffe continued about some of the talent surrounding Judge.
If Judge doesn't bring New York a title, his accomplishments will always seem just beneath the likes of October icons Joe DiMaggio and Derek Jeter. That being said, at only 32 years old, there is still time for Judge and NYY to take care of business.
Aaron Judge's postseason struggles are something he needs to improve to solidify his legacy
While Aaron Judge's regular season accomplishments help his resume compare with other Yankees greats, the postseason is a different story. Aside from being unable to secure a World Series title, Judge hasn't exactly torn the cover off the ball in the playoffs.
Judge's potent bat has disappeared in his 44 MLB postseason appearances. In those games, Judge has posted a .211 batting average with 13 home runs and a .772 OPS. He must improve his postseason stock if he is to be excused for not winning a title.