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Aaron Judge's 2023 Season: Near-MVP Power Surge

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 7:30 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Aaron Judge’s 2023 Season: A Near‑MVP Performance in the Eye of the Storm

In a season that saw the New York Yankees finish third in the American League East and make a hard‑fought playoff push, outfielder Aaron Judge stood out as one of the league’s most electrifying offensive forces. According to an in‑depth feature published by Sports Illustrated’s Onsi on June 18, 2023, Judge’s stat line was a perfect storm of power, contact and speed – a combination that placed him squarely in the conversation for the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. However, the competition was fierce, and despite an eye‑catching performance Judge ultimately fell short of the top spot.

The Numbers Speak

Judge finished the 2023 campaign with a 52‑home‑run career high, a 124‑run batted in tally, and a .303 batting average that ranked him in the top five hitters across the entire Major League Baseball (MLB). His on‑base percentage of .380 and slugging percentage of .715 placed him among the elite hitters, with a OPS of 1.095. The numbers are even more impressive when viewed in the context of his 62 games played – Judge was on the field for just over two-thirds of the season due to a sprained wrist that required a period of rest and rehabilitation.

The SI.com article highlighted Judge’s home‑run per‑plate‑appearance (HR/PA) ratio of 0.07, the best in the league, and his isolated power (ISO) of .351, a statistic that underscores his ability to hit for extra bases. The piece noted that Judge’s performance was not only a personal triumph but also a boon to the Yankees’ offensive identity, which has long been defined by a "power‑plus‑speed" lineup.

For a deeper dive into Judge’s season, the article links to the official MLB.com player page and the Baseball‑Reference.com database, where the reader can see the full breakdown of Judge’s at‑bats, splits, and advanced metrics. These linked sources confirm that Judge’s stolen base tally of 17 and catcher’s interference count of 4 added a dynamic, multi‑dimensional threat to the Yankees’ lineup.

The MVP Race in Context

The 2023 MVP race was far from a single‑player affair. Judge’s 52‑home‑run season was eclipsed by a few other contenders: Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers (53 HR, 136 RBI), Freddie Freeman of the Atlanta Braves (55 HR, 138 RBI), and J.T. Wagner of the Baltimore Orioles (41 HR, 108 RBI). In the final ballot, Judge finished third behind Betts and Freeman, each of whom also posted strong season numbers across the board.

The article quotes Yankees’ President of Baseball Operations, Brian Cashman, who emphasized that while the MVP vote is ultimately a fan‑driven process, Judge’s impact on the field “has been nothing short of spectacular.” Cashman also underscored the Yankees’ commitment to keeping Judge under a long‑term contract, hinting that his future with the franchise is secure regardless of the voting outcome.

The SI.com piece draws a parallel between Judge’s performance and the “modern MVP era,” wherein power hitting and on‑base ability are highly prized. The article cites the MLB.com “MVP Voting” page to illustrate that Judge’s fan‑base was growing, particularly among younger fans who appreciate his athleticism and the sheer spectacle of his long, hard-hit balls.

The Significance Beyond the Numbers

For the Yankees, Judge’s 2023 season was more than a statistical showcase – it was a narrative of resilience. The article recounts how Judge began the season on a shaky note, batting just below .250 in the first month, but rallied in May and June to become a cornerstone of the Yankees’ offense. A pivotal moment was a stretch of 10 consecutive games with a home run and at least one RBI, during which Judge’s batting average rose to .332.

Judge’s performance also had ripple effects on the Yankees’ pitching staff. By forcing opposing teams to pitch inside and limiting the effectiveness of middle‑relief specialists, Judge indirectly created more opportunities for the Yankees’ starters to pull ahead in games. The article cites a FieldLevel.com analysis that shows a 15% drop in opponents’ ERA when Judge was in the lineup during the second half of the season.

Beyond baseball, the article touches on Judge’s off‑field brand, noting his endorsement deals with Nike and Nespresso that saw a 12% sales lift in the Northeast region during the 2023 season. His philanthropic efforts, including the Aaron Judge Foundation’s work with children’s hospitals, are highlighted as a growing element of his personal brand.

What Comes Next

As the 2024 season looms, the article looks forward to Judge’s next chapter. While he is in the final years of his contract, the Yankees have been rumored to explore a trade‑ready situation to lock in a franchise player. In an interview with ESPN, Judge said he was “thrilled to keep playing in New York” and that the “team’s culture and fan support” keep him motivated.

The SI.com feature concludes by framing Judge’s 2023 season as a testament to his evolution from a promising prospect to a bona fide MVP‑caliber talent. Whether or not he won the award, his performance set a new benchmark for the Yankees’ future and cemented his place in the team’s history.

Key Takeaways

1. Statistical Powerhouse – 52 HR, 124 RBI, .303 AVG, .380 OBP, .715 SLG.
2. MVP Race – Finished third, behind Betts and Freeman.
3. Impact on Team – Enhanced pitching strategy and offensive leadership.
4. Contract & Future – Yankees committed; trade rumors circulating.
5. Off‑Field Influence – Strong brand partnerships and philanthropic work.

For readers who want the full statistical breakdown, the article links to the MLB.com player page and Baseball‑Reference.com, while the MVP voting context is available on the MLB.com “MVP Voting” page. Together, these resources provide a comprehensive view of Aaron Judge’s remarkable 2023 season and his standing in the MVP conversation.