#HIGHFIVE | MLBbro Aaron Judge Is the Top Shotta This Week

Aaron Judge continues to add to what will be considered one of the greatest seasons in Major League history after blasting his 55th home run of the year. The MLBbro Bronx Bomber takes the top spot in Week 22 of our #HighFive list.

1. Aaron Judge

With four home runs this week Aaron Judge’s total now sits at 55, just seven away from breaking former Yankee Roger Maris’ record of 61 which is the most by an American League player in a single season.

Judge looks smarter after each passing day for betting on himself and not signing an extension before the season began.

He put up solid numbers and avoided the injury bug last season, but I do not think anyone could have predicted we would be witnesses to one of the greatest regular seasons ever for a New York Yankee.

Judge’s 55th homer of the year came during the first game of their Wednesday double header against the Twins. He got the Yankees on the board after trailing 3-0 in the 4th inning in a game they would go on to win 5-4. In the second game of the double header Judge stole his career-high 16th base, which is the second most for any Yankee this season.

This week he batted .381 with five RBI, a 1.048 slugging percentage while drawing nine walks.

His Yankees are set to matchup against their divisional rivals the Rays this weekend in a series that will have implications on the playoffs.

2. Michael Harris II

“Money” Michael Harris II took home the National League Player of the Month award for August after hitting .337 with 15 RBI, 12 doubles, four home runs and stealing five bases.

If he was in the Majors for the entire year Harris would have easily accomplished a 30/30 season, something I think we will see from him in 2023 and for years to come.

In addition to wanting to help his Braves beat out the Mets for the N.L. East crown Harris II will be fighting with his teammate, rookie Spencer Strider for the National League Rookie of the Year award.

If they both stay hot, they will be the first pair of teammates to finish first and second in voting for the award since Craig Kimbriel and Freddie Freeman did it for the Braves back in 2011.

3. Michael A. Taylor

Michael A. Taylor was a force at the plate last week as he mashed his way into being named Rob Parker’s Home Boi Highlight. Against the Tigers Taylor was 6-for-13 including a three-hit day Sunday. Taylor is batting .370 over his last seven games and for the year has his average at .272. His 2.1 Defensive WAR is the highest for any Major League outfielder this year.

4. C.J. Abrams

C.J. Abrams is beginning to heat up for the first time since switching coast as he takes the fourth spot on our #HighFive List.

Abrams had the first four hit game of his career on Labor Day and he is starting to show signs of life after a slow start in D.C. He is 7-for-20 with a .350 average over his last seven games. That after starting his tenure as a Washington National a dismal 7-for-50. Abrams was a major piece in the Josh Bell and Juan Soto trade.

His emergence and ability to find success will be important as the Nationals look to avoid what could be a long rebuild.

5. Mookie Betts

It could be said that Mookie Betts has been better this season than he was in 2018 when he took home the American League MVP award. His 33 home runs are a career-high and a team-high. The LA Dodgers party starter also leads the team in slugging percentage, runs and OPS.

In addition to those home runs Betts has 74 RBI, 12 steals. His 105 runs scored are only five behind Aaron Judge for the Major League lead.