Aaron Judge: Still A "Work In Progress" After Record-Breaking Home Run Season

David

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Post on May 26, 2025

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Aaron Judge: Still a "Work in Progress" After Record-Breaking Home Run Season

Aaron Judge's 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular. His 62 home runs shattered the American League record, cemented his place in baseball history, and catapulted him to AL MVP honors. But despite the historic achievement, the New York Yankees slugger insists he's still far from a finished product. This dedication to improvement, even after a record-breaking year, speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond the Home Runs: A Holistic Approach to Improvement

While the 62 home runs understandably dominated headlines, Judge's overall performance was impressive. He also posted a .311 batting average, a .425 on-base percentage, and 131 RBIs. These numbers showcase a well-rounded offensive game, highlighting his skills beyond just power hitting. However, Judge isn't resting on his laurels. His focus now extends beyond sheer power, encompassing a more holistic approach to hitting.

“There are always things to work on,” Judge recently stated in an interview. “I want to be a complete hitter, not just a home run hitter.” This statement reveals a fascinating insight into Judge's mindset; he's not content with past successes. Instead, he's constantly striving for self-improvement, a trait that will undoubtedly propel him to even greater heights in his career.

Specific Areas of Focus for the 2023 Season and Beyond

What areas is Judge focusing on? Reports suggest he’s working to refine his approach against different pitching styles and improve his plate discipline. This includes:

• Reducing strikeouts: While Judge possesses immense power, a higher strikeout rate remains an area for potential improvement. By enhancing his plate discipline, he aims to make more consistent contact and drive up his batting average even further.
• Improving situational hitting: Mastering the art of hitting with runners in scoring position is crucial. Judge aims to elevate his performance in these pressure situations, maximizing his contributions to the team's overall success.
• Expanding his offensive repertoire: Judge is reportedly working on refining his ability to hit to all fields, not just pulling the ball. This strategy makes him a more unpredictable and difficult hitter to defend against.

The Impact of a "Work in Progress" Mentality

Judge's relentless pursuit of perfection sets a powerful example for aspiring athletes. His "work in progress" mentality isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to his craft. This dedication fuels his continued growth and ensures he remains at the top of his game. It's this constant striving for improvement that separates truly great athletes from the rest.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Judge in 2023

While predicting the future is always uncertain, one thing is clear: Aaron Judge is committed to surpassing even his own remarkable achievements. Expect him to continue his impressive power hitting, while simultaneously refining his overall offensive game. The 2023 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the career of one of baseball's most exciting and dedicated players. His relentless pursuit of improvement ensures that the "work in progress" label will continue to be a source of both motivation and thrilling anticipation for fans and analysts alike. Will he break his own record? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the chase will be captivating.

Keywords: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees, home runs, MLB, baseball, MVP, 62 home runs, record-breaking, improvement, hitting, plate discipline, situational hitting, baseball news, sports news, athlete, work ethic.