Yankees’ Aaron Judge has fans going crazy with ridiculous catch vs. Nationals

Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees center fielder, is on pace to break his own American League home run record of 62. With six home runs in his last five games, he has extended his MVP season both at the plate and in the field. Judge flashed the leather with a runner on base and a two-run lead over the Nationals.

Everyone knows Aaron Judge can slug home runs.

But did you know he can rob them too?! pic.twitter.com/obGJpvgZRA

— MLB (@MLB) August 27, 2024

Judge made the catch with a runner on base and New York leading by two runs. The double play concluded the fifth inning, giving pitcher Nestor Cortes a clean sheet. Judge not only produces spectacular plays, but he does so in the most crucial situations. Fans on social media recognized the Yankees captain’s greatness and responded accordingly.

@CouRageJD posted on X, formerly Twitter, “OH MY GODDD.” @TheMikeyPasta went with “HE IS UNSTOPPABLE.” @toasty_yosty2 says it’s time for a trip upstate for 99,  “Just put him in Cooperstown.” And @keithwhite says this catch rivals an all-time Yankees snag, “Judge matches Jeter’s ‘The Catch’”

Yankees star Aaron Judge joins elite company.

New York Aaron Judge (99), a Yankees center fielder, leaps to make a catch against the wall against the Washington Nationals in the second inning at Nationals Park.

Judge started Monday’s game on pace to hit 63 home runs, breaking his previous high of 62 set in 2022. Prior to Judge, no American League player had ever broken 61 in a season. The only players to have hit more than 62 home runs in a season are Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire twice, and Sammy Sosa three times, all of whom are suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs.

He also joined the ranks of elite home run hitters with his 50th home run on Sunday. With the first-inning bomb, he joined a select group of players who have hit 50 home runs three times in their careers. Sosa, McGwire, Alex Rodriguez, and Babe Ruth are the only players to have done it.

Aside from steroids, none of those players have played center field, as Judge has this season. He’s been reliable in that position and has made a few outstanding plays since moving out there. Judge also made a good catch earlier in the game, though it wasn’t as stunning as his fifth-inning grab.