Just last year, Aaron Judge put his name in the Major League Baseball record books, with his 62 home runs. If Shohei Ohtani were to erase this mark, the New York Yankees player would not be angry.
The two adversaries have maintained a healthy rivalry for several seasons. They have come and gone for the past two years as the American League’s MVP, standing out for their batting power, among other things.
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In 2022, Judge had the best season of his career, setting the American long-ball record. The mark to beat of 61 belonged since 1961 to Roger Maris.
Ohtani, who excels as both a hitter and a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has already gone 35 balls out of bounds this season, in 95 games. It’s a similar pace to what Judge saw last year.
“Records are made to be broken,” said number 99 to the New York Post, Wednesday. It would be exciting for baseball if he could hit 63 or more. I still have great years ahead of me, so if he breaks it, it will give me one more opportunity to achieve something special.”
2023 is not where Judge will be able to struggle with himself, although he started the season on the right foot with 19 homers in 49 games. He hasn’t played since June 3 due to a toe injury.