New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is still on pace to make history this season.
After going through a home run drought by his standards (five games), Judge asserted himself in a big way at Fenway Park on Tuesday night, hitting two home runs in the 7-6 win over the rival Boston Red Sox.
Now, Judge is sitting at 57 home runs on the season, needing just five more to break Roger Maris‘ infamous Yankees record of 61 home runs set in 1961. According to Vegas oddsmakers, Judge has an incredible chance to accomplish that feat, as well.
Aaron Judge Betting Odds to Hit Over 61 Home Runs
On Wednesday, Fanduel dropped their odds on Judge to hit over 61.5 home runs. They have the Yankees outfielder as a huge favorite at -450 to reach the mark, with the under coming in at +330.
To put Judge’s historic season in perspective, only noted PED users Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire have ever hit over 61 home runs in a single season. And not only is Judge dominating with the long ball, but he’s also leading the American League in WAR, OBP, OPS+ and slugging percentage. He’s also fourth in batting average.
So far, Judge is slashing an incredible .310/.414/.692 on the season, proving to be must-watch television every single time he steps into the batter’s box.
“Judge is like Secretariat in the Belmont,” broadcaster Bob Costas said, thinking back to the Triple Crown-winning 31-length victory in 1973. “He’s percentages above everyone else. It’s downplayed now — he’s hitting .300, so he’s a classic great player. The great players have power and average. Well, he’s doing that. And in the context of this season and in this era, that’s really something. And he certainly should have in any reasonable person’s mind put the most valuable argument for this year to bed.”
Of course, Judge has his sights set higher than breaking individual records and receiving his own accolades after the season. With the Yankees at 80-56 on the season, they appear to be a shoo-in to win the AL East division and compete for a World Series in October.
But still, Judge is likely going to pass Maris at some point in the final three weeks of the MLB season. And when he does, we’re all going to marvel at an incredible season that won’t soon be forgotten.
