Aaron Judge tied Mickey Mantle’s franchise record for intentional walks in a season Thursday night, reaching 23 intentional bases on balls before the All-Star break.
Here’s what makes this different: Mantle set his mark over an entire season back in 1957. Judge matched it by July 3rd.
It’s July 3rd and Aaron Judge has already tied Yankee history for the most intentional walks in a single season
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— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) July 4, 2025
The Yankees lost to Toronto 8-5 despite Judge going 1-for-2 with a run scored. He was walked three times on the night, though only one was intentional.
Judge’s numbers this season explain why opposing pitchers aren’t challenging him. He’s hitting .363 with 31 homers, 77 runs and 70 RBI through the first half. Teams have walked him at least once in each of his past seven games.
That’s part of a season-long pattern. Judge has drawn 62 walks total, putting him on pace to shatter his career high of 133 from last year.
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Judge’s walk totals have been climbing consistently. He’s topped 100 free passes three times now – 127 in 2017, 111 in 2022, and 133 last season when he hit .322 with 58 homers over 158 games.
What’s happening now feels different though. Teams seem more willing to take the bat out of his hands entirely, even this early in games.
At this pace, Judge won’t just break Mantle’s record – he’ll obliterate it. And that’s before considering how much more careful pitchers typically get as October approaches.
