Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees’ offensive centerpiece, continues to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers. With a 2025 stat line of a .354 batting average, 28 home runs, and 63 RBIs, it’s no surprise teams like the Athletics opted to intentionally walk him on Friday in the Bronx.
Teammate Cody Bellinger understands the strategy, recognizing it as a calculated move to avoid the damage Judge can cause with one swing, and he doesn’t take it personally.
Cody Bellinger Sings High Praise for Aaron Judge
After the game, Bellinger was asked what he thought about the Athletics intentionally walking Judge. The 29-year-old said:
“[It’s] understandable. I mean, he’s the best hitter on the planet. So for me, just in the at-bat, what’s my plan and how can I execute in this situation?”
Cody Bellinger says it’s “understandable” for Aaron Judge to be intentionally walked in front of him
“He’s the best hitter on the planet” pic.twitter.com/wa9BDeZGQu
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 28, 2025
Following the intentional walk to Judge, Bellinger stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second. On just three pitches, he delivered a crucial single that drove in Anthony Volpe, giving the Yankees an early lead. That run proved decisive, as New York went on to secure a 3-0 victory.
Reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge is putting together a historic 2025 season, setting records that would stand out in any era.
His dominance comes as no surprise. He became the first player since Barry Bonds to post a .700 slugging percentage, and he is now on pace to surpass even those remarkable achievements with his current level of production.
Despite going 2-for-22 during a six-game slump in mid-June, Judge is on track for 11.9 bWAR, a total that only five position players have attained or surpassed. In addition, he has already received the most votes in the American League and was automatically selected as a starting outfielder for the All-Star Game.
Aaron Judge earns an automatic All-Star bid for being the American League’s leading vote-getter!
Judge led ALL players with 4,012,983 votes! pic.twitter.com/RyKPgNttnv
— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2025
Judge is the fourth player since fan balloting returned in 1970 to lead MLB in voting at least three times, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (5), Rod Carew (4), and Ichiro Suzuki (3).
Judge’s place among legends like Griffey, Carew, and Ichiro is a testament to both his dominance on the field and his widespread popularity. As he continues to deliver MVP-caliber performances, he’s not only solidifying his legacy in Yankees history but also carving out a place among the game’s all-time greats.