Yankees vs Mariners: Judge Chasing History, Mariners Seeking Answers
Baseball fans are witnessing something truly rare: a modern hitter flirting with .400. And as the New York Yankees head to Seattle, Aaron Judge isn’t just in MVP form—he’s in historic territory.
The Seattle Mariners, meanwhile, limp into this AL clash after a humbling sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays. They’ll need their best effort to slow down Judge and the red-hot Yankees, who are coming off a 12-2 beatdown of the Athletics.
Let’s dive deep into this must-watch Monday night showdown—complete with stats, history, matchups, and predictions. Don’t forget to explore our MLB Pick Page for betting tips and trends.
Aaron Judge: On a Historic Tear
Numbers That Defy the Era
Forget MVP talk—Judge is flirting with baseball immortality.
Here’s where he stands:
- Batting Average: .409 (MLB leader)
- Home Runs: 14 (MLB leader)
- RBIs: 39 (MLB leader)
The last player to hit .400? Ted Williams in 1941. That’s how special this run is.
And Judge isn’t padding stats against nobodies. He’s done it against elite arms—blasting two HRs Saturday and adding three more hits Sunday in a dominant outing against Oakland.
“It’s special,” said Judge. “Any time I play the A’s, it’s close to home.”
He grew up just 50 miles from the Athletics’ current ballpark in West Sacramento. So yeah, it meant something.
Chasing the Triple Crown
If he maintains this pace, Judge could become just the second player since 1967 (Carl Yastrzemski) to win the Triple Crown. But even rarer? Only Rogers Hornsby (1925) hit .400 while leading the league in HRs and RBIs.
He’s not just dominating this season—he’s rewriting expectations.
Yankees Riding the Wave
It’s not just Judge. The Yankees have won four of their last five, including Sunday’s blowout where Ben Rice launched a grand slam after being hit by two pitches earlier in the game.
“It helped everybody relax,” Judge said. “Big swing for Benny, big swing for the team.”
With the AL East lead firmly in hand, the Yankees are in rhythm offensively and defensively. Even as injuries mount, their depth keeps showing up.
If you’re tracking trends or fantasy lineups, the Yankees are hitting .289 as a team in their last five games, and that spells trouble for Mariners pitching.
Want in-depth roster analysis? Visit our MLB Team Page.
Seattle Mariners: Searching for a Reset
Swept by the Blue Jays
The weekend wasn’t kind to Seattle:
- 3 straight losses to Toronto
- Outscored 19-5
- Only 4 hits in Sunday’s 9-1 loss
“One of those series you want to move on from,” said manager Dan Wilson.
The Mariners hadn’t been swept in a three-game set since early April. They’ll hope that home field helps, but facing Judge at his peak isn’t the ideal reset button.
Offense Missing in Action
Seattle’s issues are clear:
- Team batting average in May: .224
- J.P. Crawford and Dylan Moore were the only players to reach base multiple times Sunday
If the Mariners can’t string together hits, even good pitching won’t be enough.
Pitching Matchup: Schmidt vs Hancock
Clarke Schmidt (Yankees)
- Record: 0-1
- ERA: 4.79
- Vs SEA: 0-2, 1.73 ERA in 3 career games
Schmidt has been better than his win-loss record shows. His 1.73 ERA vs Seattle suggests he knows how to pitch them—but can he go deep into games?
If the Yankees’ offense builds an early lead, look for him to settle in and attack the zone with his cutter and slider mix.
Emerson Hancock (Mariners)
- Record: 1-1
- ERA: 5.70
- Vs NYY: First career start
The former first-round pick has struggled with command, and facing the league’s top slugger in Judge is a brutal assignment.
If Hancock can’t locate early, this game could spiral quickly.
Track real-time stats and props using our MLB Odds Page.
Matchups to Watch
Aaron Judge vs Emerson Hancock
This is the main event. If Hancock leaves one up, Judge will park it in the upper deck. Seattle may pitch around him—but that opens the door for others like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton.
J.P. Crawford vs Clarke Schmidt
Crawford has been one of the few bright spots in Seattle’s lineup. If he gets on base, it could spark a small-ball effort the Mariners badly need.
Gleyber Torres vs Mariners Bullpen
Torres has quietly been clutch. If the game’s tight late, don’t be surprised if he comes through against a shaky Seattle bullpen.
Team Comparison
Category | Yankees | Mariners |
---|---|---|
Record | 28-15 | 23-20 |
Batting Avg | .262 (4th AL) | .236 (11th AL) |
ERA | 3.37 (2nd AL) | 3.74 (5th AL) |
HRs | 58 | 42 |
Streak | Won 4 of last 5 | Lost 3 straight |
The Yankees have the edge across the board, but baseball doesn’t always follow the script.
Betting Preview & Predictions
Prediction:
Yankees 7, Mariners 3
The bats stay hot, Judge stays hot, and Hancock struggles with command early. Schmidt pitches efficiently through five, and the bullpen closes the door.
Best Bets:
- Yankees ML -1.5
- Over 8.5 runs
- Judge to hit a home run (+300 range)
Explore more prop picks and betting models on our Expert Betting Guide.

FAQs
Is Aaron Judge hitting over .400?
Yes. As of Sunday, he’s batting .409—on pace for the first .400+ season since 1941.
How many RBIs does Judge have?
He leads MLB with 39 RBIs.
When was the last Triple Crown in MLB?
Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Judge is currently leading in all three major categories.
How are the Mariners playing right now?
They’ve lost three straight and are struggling offensively.
Who’s pitching for the Yankees?
Clarke Schmidt, who has a 1.73 career ERA vs Seattle, starts Game 1.
Where can I see full team stats?
Check out our MLB Team Page for live stats and analytics.
Final Take: Judge’s Greatness Takes Center Stage
We’re watching something historic unfold. Whether you’re a Yankees fan, a Mariners supporter, or just a baseball purist—Aaron Judge chasing .400 and a Triple Crown is can’t-miss stuff.
Add in playoff-caliber stakes, a struggling Mariners squad, and a prime-time Monday night setting—this opener is built for drama.
Will Judge add to his legacy? Or can the Mariners stop the bleeding?
Either way, you’ll want to be watching.