Aaron Judge’s 2024 season was a tale of two halves—an extraordinary regular season followed by a World Series struggle
While his mistakes and cold bat played a role in the Yankees’ downfall, his track record suggests that he will bounce back.
Fans may be frustrated now, but baseball is a game of redemption. Many greats have endured postseason failures before finally capturing glory. Judge still has time to rewrite his legacy and lead the Yankees back to the promised land.
As Anthony Rizzo pointed out, even the best players face adversity. It’s how they respond that defines them.
Yankees fans will be hoping that in 2025, Judge silences the critics and brings championship No. 28 to the Bronx.
Anthony Rizzo’s admiration for Aaron Judge is well-founded. In a sport where pressure is constant and criticism is unavoidable, Judge’s ability to stay composed and lead by example sets him apart.
While the Yankees may not have achieved their ultimate goal in previous seasons, they are well-positioned to make another run in 2025. With a leader like Judge at the helm, they have every reason to believe that success is within reach.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Judge to see if his leadership and resilience can guide the Yankees back to the top. One thing is certain—his unwavering composure will continue to be one of his most admirable and impactful qualities.
Also Read: Luis Arraez and Bobby Witt Jr. Beat Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge to Claim Batting Titles
Table of Contents
Aaron Judge’s 2024 World Series Struggles
A Stellar Regular Season Fuels Yankees’ Championship Hopes
Aaron Judge was a dominant force for the New York Yankees throughout the 2024 MLB regular season.
The star outfielder put together an MVP-caliber campaign, crushing home runs at an elite rate while leading the Bronx Bombers to a playoff berth.
His offensive prowess, combined with his leadership as team captain, had Yankees fans dreaming of a long-awaited World Series championship.
Judge’s incredible season saw him post eye-popping numbers, finishing with a .296 batting average, 51 home runs, and 124 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs, take command of the outfield, and deliver in clutch moments made him the heart and soul of the team.
His impact went beyond statistics—Judge was the emotional and strategic leader of a Yankees squad desperate to break a 15-year championship drought.
However, baseball is a game of ups and downs, and while Judge soared in the regular season, his performance in the most crucial games of the year told a different story.
The World Series Nightmare Against the Dodgers
The New York Yankees battled their way through the playoffs and found themselves in a highly anticipated World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two of baseball’s most historic franchises, both with sky-high expectations, clashed in a dramatic Fall Classic.
Judge entered the series with immense pressure to perform. As the Yankees’ captain and biggest star, he was expected to lead by example. However, the bright lights of the World Series seemed to dim his brilliance.
Over the course of the seven-game series, Judge struggled at the plate, batting just .184 with three home runs, nine RBIs, and eight runs scored.
While those numbers may not seem disastrous at first glance, his inability to deliver in key moments proved costly.
With runners in scoring position, Judge failed to come through multiple times, leaving the Yankees frustrated.
Game 5: The Costly Blunder That Shifted Momentum
Game 5 of the World Series was a turning point. With the series tied 2-2, the Yankees had a golden opportunity to take control.
Judge, known for his defensive reliability, found himself at the center of a crucial moment that ultimately swung the series in favor of the Dodgers.
During a tense late-inning situation, Judge misplayed a seemingly routine fly ball in the outfield. The ball, hit deep into right field, glanced off his glove, allowing the Dodgers to capitalize with a rally. The mistake proved fatal as the Dodgers stormed back to secure a 7-6 victory, taking a 3-2 series lead.
While baseball is a team game, high-profile errors like Judge’s tend to stand out, especially when they occur on the sport’s biggest stage. The blunder was a gut-wrenching moment for Yankees fans, who watched their captain, usually so dependable, falter in a critical moment.
Aaron Judge’s Cold Bat
A Harsh Reality of October Baseball
Despite his immense talent, Judge’s postseason struggles have been a recurring theme throughout his career.
In the 2024 World Series, his inability to consistently produce at the plate raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure.
The Yankees needed their star to shine, but instead, they watched him struggle against the Dodgers’ elite pitching staff. Judge’s .184 batting average reflected a player who couldn’t find his rhythm when it mattered most.
His power numbers were respectable, with three home runs, but his inability to get on base consistently hurt the team.
Even the greatest players can go through slumps, but when those slumps occur in the World Series, they are magnified. Yankees fans, desperate for a championship, voiced their frustrations over their captain’s performance.
Thank you to the Roberto Clemente family for a wonderful day and event yesterday in AZ. I can’t thank my family, teammates and fans enough for this honor. Just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/62ulU5txm2
— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) October 31, 2023
Anthony Rizzo Defends Judge: “He’s a Human Being Too”
As criticism mounted, Judge’s teammate and close friend Anthony Rizzo stepped up to defend him. Appearing on The Mayor’s Office podcast with Sean Casey, Rizzo urged fans and analysts to show empathy, reminding everyone that even the best players experience difficult stretches.
“I think, as a player, it’s so hard being at the highest level of a big leaguer, right?” Rizzo said. “What goes into that, as you know, Case, it’s almost impossible to do.
There are 700 big leaguers, and he’s player one—hitter number one. You can argue maybe one or two, but in my opinion, he’s the best right-handed hitter in the league.
“But, you know, he’s a human being too. The best of the best still go through their struggles, and I always say they need love too. Just because they’re the best doesn’t mean they don’t have their own challenges.”
Rizzo’s words resonated with many in the baseball community. It’s easy to criticize athletes when they fall short of expectations, but few understand the mental and physical toll of playing at the highest level.
Aaron Judge: Weight of Expectations on a Yankees Captain
Being the captain of the New York Yankees comes with immense pressure.
The franchise has a storied history, and its fan base demands excellence. Every move, every at-bat, and every defensive play is scrutinized.
For Judge, the expectations have only increased since signing his massive nine-year, $360 million contract extension before the 2023 season. When you’re paid to be the face of the franchise, struggles are met with harsh criticism.
However, Judge has always handled pressure with class. He has been a model leader, never making excuses and always taking responsibility for his play.
Even after the World Series loss, he faced the media, acknowledging his struggles and vowing to come back stronger.
Can Judge Bounce Back in 2025?
Despite the disappointing end to the season, there is little doubt that Aaron Judge will use this experience as motivation.
The best players learn from failure, and if history is any indication, Judge will be determined to prove his doubters wrong in 2025.
There are several key areas where he can improve:
- Adjusting to Playoff Pitching: Elite pitchers often exploit weaknesses in a hitter’s approach. Judge may need to refine his swing decisions to avoid chasing pitches out of the zone.
- Enhancing Defensive Consistency: While his error in Game 5 was uncharacteristic, Judge will likely put extra focus on sharpening his outfield play.
- Mental Resilience: Baseball is a mental game as much as a physical one. Learning to stay locked in during high-pressure situations could be the key to future postseason success.
The Yankees, despite the heartbreak of 2024, remain a championship-caliber team. If Judge can return to his regular-season form in October, the Bronx Bombers will once again be contenders.
Also Read: Gleyber Torres’ Baserunning Blunder Costs Yankees as Aaron Judge Awaits On Deck And Anniversary
Anthony Rizzo Shares One Trait of Aaron Judge He Admires
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo recently shared one of the most admirable qualities he sees in his teammate and team captain, Aaron Judge.
Judge, known for his leadership, talent, and composure, has faced plenty of challenges throughout his career, including harsh criticism following the Yankees’ struggles in the 2023 postseason.
However, his ability to handle pressure and adversity with grace has left a lasting impression on Rizzo.
In this article, we will explore the specific trait Rizzo admires, the impact Judge has on the Yankees’ clubhouse, and what this means for the team as they gear up for another championship run in 2025.
The Yankees’ 2025 Championship Aspirations
While the Yankees fell short of their ultimate goal in previous seasons, they remain one of the strongest teams heading into the 2025 campaign.
With a mix of experienced players like Judge and Rizzo, along with emerging stars, the team is once again poised to contend for a World Series title.
Judge’s leadership will be a key factor in their success. As the Yankees aim to return to the top of the baseball world, his ability to keep the team focused and resilient will be invaluable.
For a franchise built on a winning tradition, having a captain who embodies the qualities of perseverance and determination is exactly what they need.
What Sets Judge Apart From Other Stars?
Every elite athlete possesses extraordinary talent, but what separates the truly great ones is their mentality. Judge’s ability to remain composed under any circumstance makes him different from many other players.
While some athletes might let criticism or external pressure impact their performance, Judge remains consistent.
He focuses on his craft, leads by example, and never lets emotions dictate his actions.
This mindset is what makes him not only a great player but also a role model for his teammates and aspiring athletes everywhere.
Aaron Judge’s Composure Under Pressure
Athletes, especially those in leadership positions, often deal with immense scrutiny from fans and the media.
Aaron Judge is no exception, particularly following the Yankees’ disappointing finish in the 2023 season. The expectations for a team like the Yankees are sky-high every year, and when they fall short, criticism follows.
Despite the negativity, Judge remained unshaken. He faced the criticism head-on, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, and stayed focused on improving. According to Rizzo, Judge never let external pressure affect his demeanor.
“The way he was able to carry himself every single day—good, bad, or indifferent—you would never, ever know,” Rizzo said. “And that is probably the most special trait that I admire about him after playing with him for the last four years.”
This ability to stay composed, no matter the situation, is a rare and valuable quality in an athlete, especially one leading one of the most storied franchises in baseball.
Aaron Judge: Promotion
Aaron Judge promoting the perfume brand Ralph Lauren Fragrances through his social media account.
View this post on Instagram
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
While Judge is widely recognized for his offensive power and defensive capabilities, his leadership extends far beyond his performance on the field. Teammates often look to their captain for guidance, and Judge has consistently set the right example.
Rizzo’s comments highlight Judge’s ability to lead by example. Even when things aren’t going well, he maintains the same attitude and work ethic. His approach fosters a culture of accountability and professionalism within the Yankees’ clubhouse.
For a team filled with young talent and seasoned veterans alike, having a leader who remains unwavering through ups and downs is crucial. Judge’s ability to stay calm and keep the team focused could be a major asset as the Yankees aim for another deep postseason run.
How Aaron Judge Deals With Criticism
Criticism is inevitable in sports, especially when playing in a market like New York, where expectations are sky-high every season. Judge has had his fair share of detractors, particularly when injuries have sidelined him or when the team has underperformed.
However, instead of reacting emotionally or letting negativity affect him, Judge uses criticism as motivation. He understands that external opinions are part of the game and focuses on controlling what he can—his performance, preparation, and leadership.
This level-headed approach not only helps Judge personally but also sets the tone for the rest of the team. Younger players can learn from his example, understanding that success in Major League Baseball requires both talent and mental toughness.
Also Read: Gerrit Cole’s Funny Take on How He’d Pitch to Yankees Captain Aaron Judge and Magazine Shoot
