Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 4, 2022
AP Photo/Scott Audette

The Judge opened the game with a home run.

The Yankees star hit the home run from the lead off spot. His output from last year is now his best ever.

The four-time All-Star is within striking distance of setting a franchise record. The all-time MLB mark was held by Roger Maris until 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa overtook him.

Judge is close to tying Sosa for the most in a year.

Sportsnet Stats @SNstats

Yankees Aaron Judge is now on pace to hit 64 Home Runs this season

The leadoff home run on Sunday had the highest exit velocity of the season at 115.3 mph.

If you want to bet on yourself for the foreseeable future, Judge is the best place to start.

The Yankees tried to get the 30-year-old to sign a long-term extension. He has only increased his earning power on the field this season because of his gamble.

Judge's next deal should be at least $250 million, according to an article written by Kiley McDaniel.

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The experienced hitter will need to keep delivering at the plate in order to help the Bronx Bombers arrest their slide before he hits free agency. New York is not in danger of missing the playoffs, but its championship credentials have taken a hit recently.