Michael King, a right-handed pitcher for the Padres, recently shared his thoughts on Aaron Judge as they prepare for a game on Tuesday. Having played alongside Judge for four years from 2020 to 2023, King gained insight into the talents of one of today’s top hitters.
“I’ve never tried to challenge him,” King mentioned on Monday. “That would be really tough.”
King has witnessed Judge’s impressive performance, especially during the record-setting season of 2022. This year, Judge has outperformed not only his previous seasons but also the late start to 2025.
He noted Judge’s “incomprehensible plate coverage,” highlighting it as a key factor in making him a formidable opponent.
“Typically, you can find some weaknesses in hitters,” King reflected. “But he’s batting .450 with an OPS that’s off the charts, so there aren’t many weaknesses.” On Monday, Judge had an impressive batting average of .423 and an OPS of 1.287, both significantly higher than his nearest rivals.
Regarding plate coverage, Judge is also seen taking smarter risks—20.3% of the time throughout his career.
Although King didn’t reveal any specific strategies against Judge, he acknowledged that his previous experiences provided helpful insights.
“He’s a big guy,” King explained. “He can reach almost any pitch, and his speed is impressive. His pitch recognition is top-notch. He’s truly one of the best hitters out there.”
Tyler Wade, a long-time teammate who has known Judge since their days in Class A Charleston, echoed King’s admiration. “I feel like I ask the same question every year,” Wade remarked. “I’m no longer surprised by what he can achieve. He’s definitely among the best right-handed hitters of our time—it’s fantastic to witness.”
Wade emphasized Judge’s growth, saying he has developed an exceptional understanding of the game, knowing exactly what to do in the batter’s box without unnecessary swings.
As King concluded, “When I was here, Judge was incredible. It’s amazing to see how long he’s continued to excel.”
