New York Yankees commentator makes early prediction as reigning MVP Aaron Judge looks to keep momentum on the heels of historic 2022 season

By all measures, Aaron Judge had one of the best seasons a player could ever have asked for in 2022. Judge led the MLB in home runs, RBIs, runs and walks with the New York Yankees last year.

With 62 home runs, Judge surpassed the widely-acknowlegded MLB record. The previous figure, 61, was set by fellow New York Yankees hitter Roger Maris all the way back in the 1961 season.

On the heels of his historic campaign, Judge was awarded the 2022 MVP Award. He was also gifted with a massive nine-year contract extension worth $360 million, which he finalized in December 2022.

If it hadn't been for Luis Arraez of the Minnesota Twins, Judge would have also accrued the best batting average last season. This would have made him the first player to win the MLB Triple-Crown since Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera did so in 2012.

Although the 2023 preseason is yet to officially kick off, that hasn't stopped predictions about what Judge might do next season. Speaking on a YES Network program, well-known New York Yankees commentator Russ Salzberg gave his offensive predicitions for Aaron Judge in 2023.

YES Network

@YESNetwork

How many HR will Aaron Judge hit?

@russsalzberg will start:

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How many HR will Aaron Judge hit?

@russsalzberg will start: https://t.co/U6bDJWPt6A

"How many HR will Aaron Judge hit? @russsalzberg will start..." - YES Network

Salzberg stated that he "will sign up, right now, for 42 home runs." Salzberg also remarked that he expects Judge to hit around the same number of RBIs that he hit in 2022, and bat above .300 for a second consecutive season.

Although Salzberg likely expects the total number of home runs to be higher, he believes that he can virtually guarantee a minimum of 42. Mike Trout had the most home runs in 2022 after Judge, with 40 of them.

In addition to being named last season's MVP and setting the record for annual contract value for a position player, Judge was also named the team's captain. As the first player to captain the Bronx Bombers since Derek Jeter's retirement in 2014, the weight of the world is on Aaron Judge's shoulders going into 2023.

Sportskeeda Baseball

@sportskeeda_mlb

Business as usual for Yankees captain, Aaron Judge

#AllRise #NewYork #Yankees #MLB

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Business as usual for Yankees captain, Aaron Judge😤⚾

#AllRise #NewYork #Yankees #MLB https://t.co/JuroOiahsS

"Business as usual for Yankees captain, Aaron Judge #AllRise #NewYork #Yankees #MLB" - Sportskeeda Baseball

Can Aaron Judge make history once again?

Although it is statistically unlikely that Judge will be able to break his own record, crazier things have happened. All we can say now is that Judge has the ability to lead the league in long ones, not just in 2023, but several years into the future.

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