Aaron Judge faces 15-game homerless drought in historic season

Aaron Judge is experiencing a challenging phase in an otherwise remarkable season, marked by a 15-game homerless streak, which is the longest of his career. This slump began after he collided with the center field wall while making a defensive play, but both Judge and manager Aaron Boone have confirmed that he is healthy, dealing only with typical wear and tear as the season progresses into September. Despite this rough patch, Judge has a history of overcoming slumps quickly, as evidenced by his performance earlier in the season where he hit 47 homers over a 102-game stretch after a slow start in April. Currently, Judge's batting average has dipped to .204 over the last two weeks, with only three extra-base hits, all doubles, and a .594 OPS. This downturn has coincided with the Yankees' struggles, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. Judge's pursuit of his previous AL-record of 62 homers has stalled, and with only 16 games remaining in the regular season, it appears unlikely he will surpass that milestone this year. Despite the current challenges, Judge remains a strong candidate for the AL MVP award, holding a 9.5 WAR, slightly ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. at 9.1. Judge leads the majors in several offensive categories, including home runs and RBIs, showcasing his overall impact on the game despite the recent slump. As the season nears its conclusion, Judge's focus remains on his performance rather than the MVP race, emphasizing that he cannot control the outcome. His ability to bounce back from slumps will be crucial for both his individual accolades and the Yankees' success as they navigate the final stretch of the season.