BT & Sal: Is Aaron Judge a lock for 500 home runs and the Hall of Fame?

“Let’s say he finishes with 15 more home runs the rest of the season. So next year, he enters the season with 315,” BT said. “Let’s say he has a bad season and hits 40. He’s already past 350! He’s definitely getting to 500! What are you talking about?

“Of all the checklist things that I’m not sure about, that is the one that I really don’t have to think much about.”

Sal believes that Judge ultimately will get there, but he doesn’t believe it’s as much of a slam dunk as BT does.

“I don’t think it’s as easy as you think,” Sal said. “I would assume he would get it, but I don’t think it’s a layup because where he’s at with his age and his body type, and his history of being injured.”

BT and Sal took it a step further: will Judge be a Hall of Famer? Again, BT didn’t hesitate.

“He’s gonna get the MVP this year,” BT said. “Hall of Fame. No doubt.”

Sal agrees that Cooperstown is likely in Judge’s future, and perhaps even more in terms of historical standing.

“He’s still only 32 and you want to see more bold on the Baseball Reference page, but if he has another year or two like this, you’re talking about not only Hall of Fame, you’re talking top 10-12 player of all time,” Sal said. “He’s gonna start to crack the Mantle/Gehrig/Ruth territory.”