New York Yankees Aaron Judge has had a superb start to the 2017 season. He has already broken the single season record for a Yankees rookie with 30 home runs. There is no denying his natural stroke, which is why he was considered a favourite entering the home run derby. We count down the top 3 reasons why Yankees Aaron Judge won the Derby crown.
Natural power
Judge doesn’t look like he’s taxing himself at the plate, it’s a natural swing which means he isn’t tiring himself at the plate. It’s a huge advantage going into the home run derby. Many players typically try to force their home run swing. But with Judge’s seemingly effortless stroke, he was able to keep calm.
Age is on his side
The youth movement has taken over the Majors, with Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger also participating tonight. Judge is 25 years old in his first of hopefully many All-Star appearances. He continued to make a name for himself during the Derby, just as he has been swinging it all season long.
Size matters
Judge stands at 6’7 282 pounds. Last year’s winner Giancarlo Stanton has told reporters that in order to beat Judge you have to “bring your stamina” because he can muster the ball out of the park without even hitting the barrel.
While Aaron Judge is still young, mainly inexperienced, and in his first MLB Home Run Derby, he was always a favourite to take the crown. This kid is still growing, still getting better, and with time on his side, there is every chance for him to win some more.
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