ESPN: Aaron Judge Challenge Babe Ruth in recent press session.
In 2025, Aaron Judge will be doing something unique for the New York Yankees.
Raw power and forceful moments have been hallmarks of the Yankees slugger’s reputation, from his historic Rookie of the Year campaign to his historic 62-home run season in 2022.
In 2025, however, Judge is simply another talented Bronx player vying for a Babe Ruth record—with some drama. Ruth’s single-season total bases mark is one of baseball’s oldest and most unbreakable marks, and he is pursuing it quietly, steadily, and historically.
Ruth’s record of 457 total bases, set in 1921, has endured through many decades of change. No player has surpassed it from the live ball period to the steroid era. The greatest credible danger to a Ruth throne now, more than a century later, is Judge.
As of the end of May, Judge leads all of Major League Baseball in extra-base hits, total bases, slugging percentage, home runs, RBIs, and OPS.
His current pace would give him 466 total bases by the conclusion of the season, nine more than Ruth’s record, according to MLB.com, making him one of the most dominant first halves in recent memory.
Few players have come close since Ruth’s incredible season. During his 64-homer season in 2001, Sammy Sosa recorded 425 total bases. In the same year that he established the single-season home run record, Barry Bonds reached 411.
Ruth’s Yankees Feat Has Also Been Approached by Current MLB Players
By today’s standards, Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 total of 411 bases was a dominating performance. With 391 total bases in 2022, Judge achieved his highest score to date. He is expected to surpass even that MVP season in 2025.
Judge’s anticipated totals for the entire season are astounding. His contact rate is greater than ever, and he is hitting over.330. Not only does he clear fences, but he also finds the corners, rips line drives into the gaps, and makes runs at a high level.
In addition to home runs, his extra-base hit totals also include a spike in doubles and even a few triples. The league has never seen Judge in such a balanced form.
Credits for Aaron Boone The most important factor in this intense competition will be the judge’s maturity and improved demeanor at the plate. One spell on the disabled list might slow Judge’s progress, as he has struggled with injuries in previous seasons. He is currently playing almost every day, though, and he is not displaying any symptoms of weariness or decline.
The most recognizable person in Yankees and baseball history is still Ruth. Ruth’s 457 total bases have remained out of reach for more than a century. A contemporary Yankee captain has now knocked.
Judge is rewriting expectations and aiming for a record that has stood the test of time as he enjoys yet another MVP-caliber season. He has the potential to create New York history that will last for decades if he remains healthy and plays at his present level.
The pursuit is underway. Additionally, Ruth’s total base record is in jeopardy for the first time in 104 years.
