Despite two MVP awards and impressive regular-season stats, Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been shockingly left off a top 5 players list by former MLB player Adam Wainwright. Critics argue Judge’s poor postseason performances, including a .191 average in 2017 and .139 in 2022, justify his omission. The debate continues over whether postseason struggles should overshadow regular-season achievements.
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Aaron Judge’s Postseason Woes Continue
Despite boasting two MVP awards and consistently impressive regular-season performances, Yankees captain Aaron Judge has faced criticism for his postseason struggles. In 2017, Judge hit a meager .191, including a .050 average in the ALDS against Cleveland. In 2022, his performance dipped to .139 over nine games, with a dismal .063 average and no home runs during the Astros’ ALCS sweep. Even in 2024, Judge had the chance to change this narrative, but the Dodgers ultimately emerged victorious, leaving the Yankees in the dust.
MLB Stars Share Their Top 5 Players Lists
The MLB Network recently featured a video on X where former MLB players Adam Wainwright, Yonder Alonso, and Cliff Floyd shared their lists of the top 5 players. While Alonso and Floyd included Judge, Wainwright notably omitted him. Instead, Wainwright chose players like Tarik Skubal and Bobby Witt Jr., explaining that some players deserve more recognition. He argued, “There are some guys that need talking about that don’t get talked about enough.”
The Debate Over Postseason Impact
When questioned about the importance of runs, Wainwright countered that pitchers like Wheeler and Skubal don’t need to hit home runs to be valuable. He acknowledged Judge’s talent, stating that if he were to list the top five position players, Judge would definitely be included. However, he emphasized that pitchers often go overlooked despite being some of the greatest athletes on the field.
Gunnar Henderson’s Rise to the Top
Gunnar Henderson was a standout for the Orioles last season, with a strong start in April that carried through the summer. His numbers are impressive: a .287 average with 16 home runs, 34 RBIs, and seven steals in the first few months. Even in the second half, he maintained solid production with a .273 average, 40 runs, nine homers, and 29 RBIs. His strikeout rate improved after the All-Star break, and his walk rate remained consistent, showcasing his maturity at the plate.
Henderson’s elite batted-ball stats are particularly noteworthy. His exit velocity (92.8 mph, 14th in MLB) and hard-hit rate (53.9%, 9th) suggest he has the potential for more home runs, supported by a healthy HR/FB rate of 23.9%. His contact batting average of .376 hints at a future where he could flirt with a .400 mark.
Looking ahead to 2024, Henderson is poised for even greater success. If Jackson Holliday takes the leadoff spot, Henderson could move into a more protected position in the lineup, increasing his RBI opportunities and setting him up for a breakout season. With his current trajectory, he could challenge for a batting title and achieve monster seasons similar to Mike Trout’s, albeit with a slightly lower launch angle.
The omission of Aaron Judge from Wainwright’s top 5 players list has sparked a heated debate. While some argue that postseason performance should be the ultimate measure, others believe regular-season achievements should not be overshadowed. As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: the importance of postseason performance remains a contentious issue in evaluating a player’s greatness. Meanwhile, rising stars like Gunnar Henderson are making their mark, setting the stage for future success in the MLB.
