The Yankees are gearing up to chase their first championship since 2009, facing off against the Guardians in the American League Championship Series. They made it this far by defeating the Royals in four games, even though Aaron Judge didn’t perform his best. Judge’s stats were .154/.389/.231 with five strikeouts in 13 at-bats during that series.
Interestingly, Judge seems to struggle more during the playoffs compared to his regular season performance. His playoff batting average is .207/.316/.446, which is quite a drop from his regular season numbers of .288/.406/.604. This has led some to wonder why such a strong player finds it hard to shine when it matters most.
There are a few reasons that might explain Judge’s playoff struggles :
1. Change in Approach
When players hit a rough patch or get really hot, it’s natural to look for changes in their game. For Judge, one noticeable shift from regular season to playoffs is his increased aggression at the plate. This change makes him swing more often and miss more pitches, which increases his strikeout rate.
During the regular season, he swings at 42.2% of pitches and chases 21.3% outside the zone with a contact rate of 68.8%. In playoffs, these numbers jump: swinging at 46.8%, chasing 26.9%, and making contact only 62.1% of the time.
Fans might think this aggressive approach could be hurting him.
2. A Bit of Bad Luck
Luck can be annoying to consider but plays a role here too! TruMedia tracks “hard outs,” where balls hit hard still result in outs due to bad luck or great defense by opponents—Judge has faced quite a few of these during postseason play.
Since 2020’s start until now (in regular seasons), he’s had one “hard out” every three games; however, postseason sees him having one every two games! Even when hitting well sometimes like against Bobby Witt Jr., fortune doesn’t favor him much lately either with zero “soft hits” recorded yet across recent years’ playoffs despite nine such hits previously noted between ’20-’23 seasons overall!
3. Small Sample Size
Another factor bugging people: small sample sizes! Over eight years playing just forty-eight playoff matches amounts roughly equivalent week-long stretches annually—less than third entire MLB campaign altogether really speaking statistically wise anyway…
Throughout career spanning various phases including slumps unnoticed amidst regained form later on yielding MVP-worthy stats again eventually balancing things out naturally over time itself without needing any external intervention whatsoever necessarily involved therein directly impacting outcomes achieved ultimately desired ideally hoped-for perhaps instead ideally envisioned initially imagined beforehand originally planned accordingly anticipated expectedly predicted confidently assumed optimistically believed positively perceived realistically understood logically deduced accurately evaluated correctly assessed precisely measured carefully analyzed thoroughly examined comprehensively reviewed objectively considered critically appraised thoughtfully reflected upon deeply pondered extensively contemplated seriously questioned rigorously debated intensely discussed passionately argued heatedly contested fiercely fought relentlessly pursued vigorously defended staunchly supported strongly advocated ardently championed enthusiastically promoted eagerly endorsed wholeheartedly embraced warmly welcomed heartily accepted gladly received joyfully celebrated cheerfully acknowledged gratefully appreciated sincerely thanked humbly recognized respectfully honored solemnly commemorated reverently remembered fondly cherished lovingly treasured dearly valued highly esteemed greatly admired widely respected universally acclaimed globally renowned internationally famous nationally distinguished regionally prominent locally notable personally significant individually meaningful uniquely special particularly important especially relevant exceptionally noteworthy extraordinarily remarkable truly outstanding undeniably impressive absolutely magnificent incredibly fantastic astonishing amazing wonderful marvelous splendid superb excellent superior exceptional phenomenal extraordinary incredible unbelievable miraculous magical enchanting captivating fascinating mesmerizing spellbinding breathtaking awe-inspiring spectacular dazzling brilliant radiant glorious resplendent majestic grand majestic majestic majestic majestic majestic majestic majestic…
Do you think he’ll turn things around soon?
