This RBI double from Aaron Judge on Opening Day 2020 was a memorable moment, coming in late July—a reflection of how unusual that year was, especially in sports. That game marked the Yankees’ last visit to Nationals Park until today. At the time, the Nationals were the reigning World Series champions, though already on a downward trajectory. Now, they’re in a rebuilding phase with a fresh group of young players. While the Yankees should be favored to win this series, they shouldn’t underestimate the scrappy Nats, who are certainly an improvement over the Rockies.
Today on the site, you can expect a lot from Josh and me. Josh will provide a preview of the Yankees-Nationals series and an editorial discussing Judge, Barry Bonds, and the ever-evolving standards of greatness. I’ll contribute with a recap of the minors and the Rivalry Roundup. Also, be on the lookout for Madison’s mailbag prompt!
Today’s Matchup:
New York Yankees vs. Washington Nationals
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
TV/Video: YES Network, MASN
Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM
Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Questions/Prompts:
1. Given Aaron Judge’s current pace of 51 home runs with some games still remaining in the season, it’s reasonable to predict that he could finish with around **63-65 home runs** in 2024. If he maintains his current level of performance, he might even exceed that number, but 63-65 seems like a solid estimate based on his current form.
2. Dave Martinez’s future with the Nationals depends on several factors, including the team’s progress during their rebuilding phase and how management views his role in that development. If the Nationals make steady improvements and start contending sooner than expected, Martinez could very well still be the manager when they return to the playoffs. However, given the uncertainty and long timelines typical in rebuilds, it’s hard to say definitively. The next playoff appearance might come under a different manager, but if Martinez continues to earn the trust of the front office and players, he has a good chance to stick around.