Aaron Judge has had an extraordinary career so far, cementing himself as one of the greatest power hitters of his generation. In 2022, Judge set the American League record with 62 home runs, a feat that thrust him into conversations about all-time great home run seasons. Fast forward to 2024, and Judge is once again chasing greatness, on pace for nearly 60 home runs while posting astonishing rate stats that include a .333 batting average and a 1.197 OPS (MLB.com). His power, consistency, and leadership for the Yankees make him one of the most exciting players in modern baseball.
However, when we compare Judge’s best seasons to the greatest seasons ever, specifically those of Barry Bonds, the conversation shifts. Barry Bonds’ dominance, particularly from 2001 to 2004, stands apart. Judge’s incredible numbers are impressive, but they fall short of the historic pace that Bonds set during his career.
Barry Bonds’ 10 Greatest Seasons
2001: 73 HR, .328/.515/.863, 1.379 OPS — Bonds shattered the single-season home run record, setting a mark that still stands today.
2004: 45 HR, .362/.609/.812, 1.422 OPS — Bonds had an on-base percentage over .600 and walked 232 times, a testament to how feared he was.
2002: 46 HR, .370/.582/.799, 1.381 OPS — Bonds’ staggering combination of power and patience made him nearly unstoppable.
1993: 46 HR, .336/.458/.677, 1.136 OPS — Bonds led the league in OPS and slugging, winning the MVP after his move to the Giants.
1996: 42 HR, .308/.461/.615, 1.076 OPS — Bonds was a complete hitter, with 40+ home runs and a high average.
1992: 34 HR, .311/.456/.624, 1.080 OPS — Bonds was both powerful and fast, stealing 39 bases this season.
2003: 45 HR, .341/.529/.749, 1.278 OPS — Even with fewer home runs, Bonds had a dominant OPS and walked an absurd 148 times.
2000: 49 HR, .306/.440/.688, 1.127 OPS — Bonds’ last season before breaking the home run record showed the early signs of his peak.
1997: 40 HR, .291/.446/.585, 1.031 OPS — Bonds continued his incredible blend of power and on-base ability.
1990: 33 HR, .301/.406/.565, .970 OPS — An early MVP season that established Bonds as a premier player.
Aaron Judge’s Best Seasons Compared
2022: 62 HR, .311/.425/.686, 1.111 OPS — Judge broke the American League home run record, but his overall offensive output still pales in comparison to Bonds’ best years.
2024 (current pace): 59 HR, .333/.465/.732, 1.197 OPS — Judge’s current season is one of the best by a right-handed hitter, but it doesn’t match Bonds’ peak in terms of OPS and dominance(
FOX Sports).
2017: 52 HR, .284/.422/.627, 1.049 OPS — Judge’s rookie campaign introduced him as a force, but it lacked the consistency of Bonds’ prime.
2021: 39 HR, .287/.373/.544, .916 OPS — A solid season, but not in the realm of the best hitters in history.
2019: 27 HR, .272/.381/.540, .921 OPS — Injuries kept Judge from reaching his full potential.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge is undeniably one of the greatest sluggers of his era, but when compared to Barry Bonds’ best seasons, particularly from 2001 to 2004, Judge still falls short. Bonds combined power, patience, and consistency in ways that no one, not even Judge, has replicated. While Judge’s current season could end up being one of the best ever by a right-handed hitter, Bonds’ sustained dominance makes him the clear benchmark for all-time greatness.
