Yankees Lineup Debate: Where Will Aaron Judge Bat In 2024?

Mireille Lambert

4 min read

Post on Apr 28, 2025

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Arguments for Batting Aaron Judge First

Leading Off with Power

The idea of leading off with Aaron Judge's immense power is enticing. Imagine the psychological impact on opposing pitchers facing a potential home run to start the game.

• Increased Run Production Potential: A leadoff home run instantly puts runners on base and creates scoring opportunities for the rest of the lineup.
• Psychological Impact on Opposing Pitchers: Facing Judge first forces pitchers to be aggressive, potentially leading to more mistakes and more runs.
• Potential for More Stolen Bases from Subsequent Batters: A leadoff hit by Judge puts a fast runner in scoring position, setting up potential stolen bases.

On-Base Percentage Considerations

While Judge's power is undeniable, his on-base percentage (OBP) needs consideration for the leadoff spot. A traditional leadoff hitter prioritizes getting on base.

• Statistical Comparison with Other Leadoff Hitters: Comparing Judge's OBP to other successful leadoff hitters reveals whether he fits the profile. If his OBP is comparatively low, it might be detrimental to the team's run-scoring potential.
• Impact of OBP on Run Scoring: A higher OBP generally translates to more runners on base, creating more opportunities for runs.
• Potential Downsides of a Low OBP for a Leadoff Hitter: A low OBP from the leadoff spot can significantly hamper the team's offensive output.

Arguments for Batting Aaron Judge Second

Protection for Other Power Hitters

Batting Judge second provides excellent protection for other powerful hitters in the lineup.

• Creates More RBI Opportunities: With runners on base due to the first hitter, Judge gets more opportunities to drive in runs with his considerable power.
• Maximizes the Impact of the Entire Lineup: Strategic placement of power hitters maximizes the team's run-scoring potential.
• Reduces Pressure on Other Hitters: Knowing Judge is coming up after them reduces the pressure on other hitters in the lineup.

Strategic Considerations

Having a high-OBP hitter batting first sets the table for Judge.

• Creates More Run-Scoring Opportunities: A high OBP hitter in the leadoff spot increases the likelihood of runners on base for Judge.
• Allows for Strategic Bunts and Steals: A high OBP hitter allows for more strategic base-running plays to set up scoring opportunities.
• Maximizes Potential Scoring in High-Leverage Situations: In critical moments of the game, this strategic setup significantly enhances the team's scoring chances.

Arguments for Batting Aaron Judge Third (or Cleanup)

Traditional Power Hitter Spot

The third spot, or cleanup position, is traditionally reserved for a team's most powerful hitter. Judge fits this role perfectly.

• Maximize RBI Opportunities: The cleanup hitter often bats with runners on base, maximizing RBI opportunities.
• Provides Consistent Run Production: A consistent power hitter in the cleanup spot provides a reliable source of runs.
• Allows for Strategic Plate Appearances: The manager can strategically choose pitches to Judge based on the game situation.

Protecting the Heart of the Order

Batting Judge third protects other high-average hitters in the lineup.

• Creates a Potent Core of the Lineup: A powerful cluster of hitters in the middle of the order puts immense pressure on the opposing pitching staff.
• Maximizes Run-Scoring Potential: This arrangement creates a highly productive section of the lineup, capable of scoring runs in bunches.
• Puts More Pressure on the Opposing Pitching Staff: The opposing team must strategize carefully to navigate this potent section of the lineup.

Factors Influencing the Decision: Injuries, Player Performance, and Opponent Analysis

Impact of Injuries

Injuries to other key players will significantly influence the optimal batting order. If a key hitter is injured, Judge's position might shift to provide more protection or fill a critical role.

Player Performance

Individual player performance throughout the season will dictate adjustments to the batting order. If a player is struggling, the manager may move them down in the order and adjust accordingly.

Opponent Analysis

Opponent pitching matchups will also influence daily lineup decisions. The manager will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing pitcher when setting the lineup.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Aaron Judge Batting Order Decision for the 2024 Yankees

The optimal batting position for Aaron Judge in 2024 depends on a complex interplay of factors including his own performance, the performance of his teammates, and the opposing pitching matchups. While arguments exist for placing him first, second, or third, maximizing his RBI potential and the team's overall run production should be the ultimate goal. While a definitive answer is elusive until the season begins, a flexible strategy that adapts to various scenarios will likely be the most effective approach. Where do you think Aaron Judge should bat? Share your thoughts using #YankeesLineup #AaronJudge #MLB!