The conversation surrounding Aaron Judge’s impressive career continues, especially now that he’s in his 9th season and boasts a higher Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 56.5 than the legendary David Ortiz at 55.0, despite Ortiz playing for 20 seasons. This Reddit post from user Appropriate_Role7518 sparked a lively debate among fans, discussing the nuances of their careers and the implications of WAR as a metric. Several commenters expressed their admiration for Judge’s incredible performance this year, while others brought up noteworthy comparisons and criticisms regarding the method of calculating WAR.
Summary
- Fans are in awe of Judge’s performance and how quickly he has risen in the rankings.
- The debate on WAR metrics reveals a divide in opinions, especially regarding different playing positions.
- Comments highlight nostalgia and comparisons to legendary players, showcasing the excitement in today’s baseball landscape.
- Overall sentiment is largely positive towards Judge, while nostalgia for Ortiz also shines through.
The Jaw-Dropping Stats
When fans mention Aaron Judge’s WAR being higher than David Ortiz’s, it’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet. A lot of excitement surrounds the fact that Judge achieved this in just nine seasons. User ChickenHugging exclaimed, “And this year Judge is simply absurd,” highlighting how exceptional he has been during the current MLB season. Many seem impressed not only with how quickly Judge has risen to prominence but also with the overall power and consistency he has exhibited. This kind of performance truly takes baseball fandom to new levels, making many fans wonder just how high Judge’s WAR might go by the end of his career. Are we witnessing the rise of another legendary hitter, or is he already there? It’s a debate that could fuel countless barroom conversations!
Comparisons: Judge vs. Ortiz
While Judge stands out on his own, comparisons to Ortiz are inevitable. SlyMarboJr posted, “It’s absolutely bonkers that we live in an era where Judge and Ohtani exist at the same time. This must’ve been what it was like to watch Mantle and Mays,” emphasizing the historic nature of the players we are currently witnessing in the sport. Those who grew up watching Ortiz—especially Red Sox fans—have a particular nostalgia for his playing style and impact on the game. Ortiz was primarily known as a Designated Hitter (DH), a role that often gets criticized when it comes to WAR comparisons. User wetcornbread pointed out, “Doesn’t defense factor in?” lamenting how a player’s position impacts their perceived value in metrics like WAR. This comment brings to light the complexities behind statistics and how certain nuances can skew perceived dominance.
The Metrics Debate
The discussion advances into a topic that frequently ignites debate among fans: the fairness of WAR as a statistic. AspyPotato argues, “WAR (in my humble opinion) unfairly penalizes DH/1B/LF and inflates C/SS/CF,” suggesting that it may not accurately reflect the nuances involved in playing different positions. These comments trigger a larger conversation about how we quantify a player’s contributions. How much of Judge’s success is owed to his fielding skills or the fact that Ortiz spent part of his career as a designated hitter? These complex calculations often leave fans divided, where some feel that Judge’s superior fielding should bolster his WAR, while others think that Ortiz’s clutch performances in crucial moments can’t be overlooked.
Nostalgia and Legacy
As the comparisons utilize current stats, there’s an undercurrent of nostalgia for those who appreciated Ortiz’s unique ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Major_Wager75 even chimes in with quite a bold statement, saying, “Greatest hitter of my generation and an all-timer.” This captures a sentiment felt by many who grew up watching Ortiz take those vital swings that seemed to change the course of games. It showcases how deeply stardom impacts fans and fuels conversations revisiting moments from the past. While there’s a split in sentiment regarding stats, admiration for both players remains evident, fostering a community that revels in sports history and current excellence.
The Future Looks Bright
Despite the nuances in statistics and various metrics, the overall discourse surrounding Aaron Judge is overwhelmingly positive. The excitement surrounding his potential to surpass even greater milestones encapsulates fans, who often daydream about what might be next. One comment even jokingly lamented, “No way Judge is in his 9th effing year already — wasn’t he *just* a rookie??” showcasing how remarkably quickly things change in sports. For younger fans, Judge represents the modern-day superstar, a player who is not only dominating but also inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike. As discussions continue on subreddits and among friends, one thing is certain: Aaron Judge is the toast of the baseball world today, and his journey is just beginning.