Judge Sets AL Intentional-Walk Record, Reaches 51st

Aaron Judge set the American League single-season record for intentional walks after being intentionally walked twice in the Yankees’ series finale, bringing his total to 36 and surpassing Ted Williams’ 1957 mark. The Yankees slugger also reached his fourth 50-plus–home–run season (51 homers) while batting around .328–.330 with an elite OPS and wRC+. New York has clinched a playoff spot and remains locked in a tight AL East race with Toronto. The AL MVP debate is contested as Seattle’s Cal Raleigh has hit 60 homers and emerged as a legitimate challenger. Judge’s recent torrid stretch, including multiple multi-homer games and a 15-game run, has prompted pitchers to intentionally walk him more frequently. Judge said he is downplaying individual milestones to stay focused on the team’s postseason push.