Why the Yankees say Aaron Judge is showing signs of overcoming the playoff slump

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The ball roared right away. New York Yankees star Aaron Judge was pulled into the field by Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo. The radar gun tracked the line drive at 114.2 mph — the fourth-most hit ball of the playoffs this year, according to MLB's Statcast.

As it whizzed through the infield, Bobby Witt Jr. – perhaps the best defensive shortstop in the American League – reached across his body and over his head and caught it for the final out starting in the first inning. Judge's bad luck hit him even harder than he made it.

But for the Yankees, it was a sign that Judge seemed so close to being the playoff hero they needed, even if he went hitless again in a 3-2 win in Game 3 of the American League Division Series Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

With the win, the Yankees took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. They have a chance to end the Royals' season on Thursday night.

It would be a good time for Judge to break out of his postseason slump – a slump that has spanned much of his illustrious career.

Judge didn't want to praise himself for going 0-for-4 with one walk – despite hitting several balls hard – and giving himself a .091 batting average (1-for-11) with three walks so far in the division series.

“I didn’t get any hits,” he said. “So it doesn’t feel particularly good. “But no, we’re exactly where we need to be.”

“We are exactly where we need to be.”

Aaron Judge talks about his offense, Giancarlo Stanton's impact and Luke Weaver after the ALDS win in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/DIUnIzInhv

– YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 10, 2024

Judge helped lead the Yankees during the regular season by leading the sport in home runs (58) and RBIs (144) while hitting .322. He will likely be the overwhelming choice to win his second AL MVP award.

Hitting coach James Rowson said Judge's swing looked better than it has in a long time in pregame work and during the game.

“I thought his offense was great (Wednesday),” Rowson said. “I thought he showed up. Even in his (batting practice) earlier, you could see how he hit the ball straight away. You started to see the ball spin a little. I felt like his swings were really good in the game. Today I only missed a few balls. I feel like he's doing well. We know it's possible at any moment at Judgey, man. Because I believe that in general he is not far. I think his swings are getting closer and closer to what we’re used to seeing here.”

Judge's only strikeout on Wednesday came on a questionable call. He tried to check his momentum on a full-count slider by reliever Brady Singer that was deep and outside with two outs in the seventh inning. The score was 2-2 and Juan Soto was at first base.

But first base umpire and crew chief Mark Carlson concluded that Judge had swung, although Judge was so sure he hadn't that he threw his bat toward the Yankees' dugout as if accepting , he would have taken a step.

“You missed that call,” Soto said.

On Wednesday, the Yankees' other big hitter, Giancarlo Stanton, paced them with three hits, including a double and the first solo shot in the eighth inning. He had started the night on a low note, yielding just one hit in his first eight at-bats in the first two games of the series.

Stanton felt it was only a matter of time for Judge.

“He’s definitely going to do some damage,” Stanton said. “It's just a matter of time. He had good at-bats. So, yes, it will come when we need it most.”

“Honestly,” said left fielder Alex Verdugo, “I know he didn't get any hits today, but his swings are a lot better.” The quality of contact. He literally missed three balls by a hair's breadth. Frankly, he's in a good position. His last five (or) six attacks have been really good and I expect him to do what he does.”

But Judge's postseason resume was the only setback for him as he made his case for the Hall of Fame. In 47 games, he hit 13 home runs with a .203 batting average and a .748 OPS.

“I don’t think I ever have any doubts about this guy,” Soto said. “He showed it all year long. He has proven that he is one of the best. Why (should I) doubt him when a man can do all that? We stand behind him and he will have his days. Whenever he gets hot, it’ll be really fun.”

Judge was asked if he thought Game 4 would finally be his night. The Yankees captain took a deflection.

“Every night is our night,” he said.

(Photo: Ed Zurga/Getty Images)