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MLB Sends Strong Aaron Judge Message on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 3, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The 2025 MLB season is just over a month old, and New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is putting up video game-like numbers. When Judge homered in the first inning of Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, it marked his 11th home run of the season.

Judge also recorded his 33rd RBI and 31st run scored of the year. He began the day with an astounding .430 batting average.

Judge leads the American League in batting average, hits, RBIs and runs scored. His 11 home runs are one behind Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.

Judge's dominance at the plate is a major reason why the Yankees entered Saturday’s contest with a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox atop the American League East.

His hot start hasn't gone unnoticed. Major League Baseball shared a strong message about the Yankees' captain on Saturday: "The Captain continues to crush."

The Captain continues to crush

Aaron Judge gets the @Yankees started with his 11th home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/huRsUU2Ctr
— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2025

After starring at Fresno State, Judge was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and quickly became a household name, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2017.

Judge has captured two MVP awards in his career in 2022 and 2024. The six-time All-Star continues to be a cornerstone of the Yankees franchise.

The Yankees began play Saturday with the second-highest team batting average in Major League Baseball at .265, trailing only the Chicago Cubs (.266). New York also ranked second in total runs scored (180), also behind the Cubs (202). Their 54 home runs led all MLB teams, ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers, who had 51.

Judge is signed with the Yankees through the 2031 season after agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million contract. He will earn $40 million annually through the 2031 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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