Who has had the more impressive season, Stanton or Yankees Judge?

Two of baseball’s biggest sluggers have mounted historic seasons in 2017. Between Yankees rookie Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, who had the more impressive season? Let’s find out…

The Yankees Aaron Judge has drawn similarities all season to Giancarlo Stanton, and with good reason. Both men are similar in numerous ways.

They are both physically large human beings, with Judge standing at 6-foot-7 inches tall and Stanton being 6-foot-6. Both play right field, both are right-handed and both can mash a baseball.

Both of these players have posted similar numbers in 2017. Judge is slashing .283/.418/.620 with 50 home runs and 108 runs batted in. Stanton, on the other hand, is slashing .278/.375/.629 with a league leading 57 home runs and 126 runs batted in.

These two seasons are historic in their own ways, but which one is more impressive?

THE CASE FOR:

Lets start with Stanton. His 57 home runs are tied for the 10^th most in a single season, with six games left to play. He went off in August, clubbing 18 home runs in the month, including six straight games with a homer. He has been consistent threat all season long.

Judge is having arguably the best rookie season in baseball history. His 50 home runs are the most ever by a rookie, surpassing Mark McGwire’s 49 in 1987. Judge leads the American League in home runs and walks, registering 122 free passes.

Judge has been doing all of this for a playoff bound team, and a serious World Series contender.

THE CASE AGAINST:

Stanton’s power surge was a long time coming. He has always shown pure strength, but has never been one hundred percent healthy for a full season. Stanton has already played in 153 games this year, the most in his career.

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His home run total is to be expected, and kind of overdue. With the Marlins not being in the playoff hunt, Stanton has been seeing more pitches to hit, with his long balls not carrying as much weight.

Judge’s biggest flaw is his strikeouts. His 203 strikeouts lead the Major Leagues, and make him the 10^th player with 200 Ks or more in a season. He also set the record with consecutive games with a strikeout, striking out in 37 straight contests. Judge has been hit or miss this season, going through a dreadful six-week slump right after the All Star Break.

FINAL VERDICT:

Despite his ridiculously high strikeout rate, Judge has had the more impressive season. He arguably had the best first half in baseball history, fell into a horrible slump, and rebounded to help the Yankees push into the Postseason.

Stanton has tore up the league by crushing more home runs than anyone this year. But his power that he has shown throughout his career, and the fact that the Marlins are not in playoff contention has hurt his case. Judge broke out onto the scene and has done things no player has done before.

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Nothing against Stanton, he is a fantastic ballplayer with a bright future, but Judge has dominated despite his long slump. For a rookie to come into the league, crush 50 home runs, lead his team to the Postseason and be an MVP contender is something that doesn’t come around that often.