Christian Judge (born March 23 1993) is an American professional baseball player who has played as a first baseman and designated hitter in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is best known for his tenure with the New York Yankees.
Early life and education
Judge was born in Long Beach, California. He attended Lakewood High School in Lakewood, California, where he played baseball and basketball. After high school, he enrolled at Long Beach State University and played college baseball for the Long Beach State Dirtbags.
Professional career
Minor leagues
Judge was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He began his professional career in the White Sox organization, advancing through several minor‑league affiliates, including the Arizona League White Sox, Winston‑Salem Dash, and Birmingham Barons. In 2019, he signed a minor‑league contract with the New York Yankees and played for their Double‑A (Trenton Thunder) and Triple‑A (Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre RailRiders) affiliates.
Major League debut
Judge made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees on August 13 2022. In his debut, he recorded a hit and a walk, contributing to a 5–4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. He quickly became noted for his power hitting and defensive versatility at first base.
2023 season
During the 2023 season, Judge earned a regular role in the Yankees' lineup, posting a batting average above .250 with double‑digit home runs and a notable on‑base percentage. He was selected for the 2023 MLB All‑Star Game as a reserve first baseman, marking his first All‑Star appearance.
Playing style
Judge is characterized as a right‑handed power hitter with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Defensively, he is primarily a first baseman but has also seen limited action as a designated hitter and occasional outfielder.
Personal life
Judge is married to his high school sweetheart, Kelsey. The couple has at least one child. He is involved in community outreach programs, including youth baseball clinics in the New York area.
See also
- New York Yankees players
- List of Major League Baseball first basemen
References
- MLB.com player profile: Christian Judge
- "Christian Judge makes MLB debut for Yankees", New York Times, August 13 2022.
- "Yankees' Christian Judge selected to All-Star Game", ESPN, July 2023.