Aaron Judge is already one of the most dominant players in Major League Baseball. The New York Yankees superstar has captured three of the last four American League MVP awards, smashed a record-setting 62 home runs in a single AL season, and leads all MLB players with 37.3 wins above replacement (WAR) over the past four years.
Yet, despite these elite accomplishments, Judge believes there’s still room for growth in the 2026 MLB season.
Rather than focusing solely on his power at the plate, the Yankees captain is looking to refine another part of his game: baserunning.
Why Aaron Judge Is Focusing on Baserunning
When Judge reported to Spring Training and was asked about his offseason priorities, he made it clear that baserunning is high on his list.
He noted that several players across the league posted 30 or even 40 stolen bases last season—numbers not typically associated with power hitters. While he didn’t name names, one notable example stands out: Juan Soto, now with the New York Mets.
Soto led the National League with 38 stolen bases in 2025. That spike was significant considering he had averaged just 8.1 steals per season over his first seven MLB campaigns.
During his lone season alongside Judge in the Bronx, Soto recorded only seven stolen bases.
The evolution in baserunning around the league has not gone unnoticed by Judge.
How Rule Changes Are Influencing Baserunning
MLB’s recent rule adjustments—including limits on pickoff attempts and the introduction of the pitch clock—have dramatically altered the running game. These changes have created more favourable conditions for aggressive base stealers.
Judge believes he can leverage these developments to increase his impact beyond home runs.
With opposing pitchers frequently pitching around him, particularly after leading the AL with 124 walks in 2025 (his third time leading the league in walks over four seasons), getting into scoring position becomes crucial.
Although his run-scoring percentage last year was 32.7%—slightly above the league average of 30%—there remains a notable gap between Judge and the league leaders, four of whom posted rates of at least 40%. Improving his baserunning could help close that gap.
Assessing Judge’s Stolen Base Track Record
In 2025, Judge swiped 12 bases but was caught stealing five times, resulting in a 70.5% success rate. That figure marked a decline from previous seasons.
From 2021 through 2024, Judge converted an impressive 87.5% of his stolen base attempts, including a flawless 10-for-10 performance in 2024. For context, only four active MLB players boast a career stolen base success rate above 87.5%.
His career-high for steals in a single season remains 16, set in 2022—a number that appears attainable again in 2026 if he remains aggressive.
Comparing Judge to Shohei Ohtani
When discussing elite two-way threats and baserunning, comparisons inevitably include Shohei Ohtani. The global superstar made history in 2024 by joining the exclusive 50-50 club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
While Judge may never match Ohtani’s speed output, even a moderate increase in stolen bases would elevate his offensive value and make the Yankees even more dangerous.
Impact on the Yankees’ Offensive Identity
The Yankees led all of MLB with 274 home runs last season, clearly demonstrating their reliance on power hitting. However, manufacturing runs through aggressive baserunning could provide a valuable complementary approach.
If Judge leads by example on the base paths, it may encourage teammates to adopt a more assertive style, adding depth and unpredictability to the Yankees’ offense.
Risks and Realities: Age and Injury Concerns
There are legitimate concerns surrounding Judge’s plan.
Injuries have periodically interrupted his career, and increasing his activity on the bases raises the potential for additional physical strain. At 34 years old during the first month of the 2026 season, Judge also faces the typical age-related decline in speed.
Over the past three seasons, only four players aged 34 or older—Jose Altuve, Starling Marte, Whit Merrifield, and Tommy Pham—have stolen at least 20 bases in a season. Notably, all four are significantly smaller in stature, averaging 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds. Judge, at 6-foot-7 and 282 pounds, presents a very different physical profile.
Still, experience, instincts, and timing often matter more than raw speed in successful base stealing.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge’s desire to enhance his baserunning reflects a superstar unwilling to remain complacent. Already among the most accomplished players in baseball, he is searching for incremental improvements that could further separate him from the competition.
While age, injury history, and physical build present challenges, the evolving MLB landscape—with rule changes favoring aggressive runners—creates a realistic opportunity for Judge to add another dimension to his game.
If he can approach or surpass his career-high 16 stolen bases while maintaining elite power production, the Yankees’ offense could become even more formidable in 2026. As always with Spring Training declarations, the true test will unfold once the regular season begins.
FAQs
Why is Aaron Judge focusing on baserunning in 2026?
Judge believes improved baserunning can help him get into scoring position more often, especially since he draws many walks.
What was Aaron Judge’s stolen base performance in 2025?
He stole 12 bases but was caught five times, resulting in a 70.5% success rate.
What is Aaron Judge’s career-high in stolen bases?
Judge’s highest single-season total is 16 stolen bases, achieved in 2022.