Will anyone hit 74 homers in a single MLB season? Even Aaron Judge, one of baseball’s top sluggers, believes that breaking the current record is a monumental challenge. The record for most home runs in a season currently stands at 73, a number tainted by the steroid era but still etched in the history books. Judge, who came close with 62 homers in 2022, acknowledges that the record seems “a little untouchable.”
Baseball has seen a shift in its popularity over the years, moving away from the era of home run chases that captivated fans during the late 1990s and early 2000s. With efforts to clean up the game and eliminate performance-enhancing drugs, the focus has shifted towards a more balanced and competitive approach.
Since Roger Maris’ record of 61 homers stood for decades until being surpassed by Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in 1998, only Aaron Judge has come close to challenging the current record. Despite the increase in total home runs across the league, individual players have not reached the heights of the steroid era.
Reflecting on Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 73 homers in 2001, Judge admires the skill and discipline required to achieve such a feat. He acknowledges Bonds as one of the greatest players in baseball history, emphasizing the challenge of hitting home runs consistently in a competitive league.
While home run totals have fluctuated over the years, recent trends show a rise in total homers, with players like Judge and Shohei Ohtani leading the way. However, the focus has shifted towards all-around performances, with Ohtani’s achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases generating more buzz than the home run chase itself.
Despite the evolution of the sport and changes in player behaviour, the idea of reaching 74 home runs in a season remains a daunting task. While some in baseball remain hopeful that the record could be broken again, many acknowledge the monumental challenge it presents. As the game continues to evolve, the possibility of a player matching or surpassing the current record remains a distant dream for now.