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Manfred: Judge's 62-HR season 'will stand the test of time'

Thomas Skrlj / Major League Baseball / Getty

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred joined the long list of people impressed by Aaron Judge's remarkable 2022 season.

Manfred said he believes the New York Yankees star outfielder's American League-record 62 home runs is an incredible achievement that should be celebrated.

"I was thrilled for fans, it was something everyone was anticipating," Manfred told ESPN's "Get Up" on Thursday. "Thrilled for Aaron. It's a monumental achievement, and I think it's one that will stand the test of time."

Many are pointing to Judge's season as more impressive than anything Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, or Sammy Sosa accomplished due to their connections to performance-enhancing drugs.

Manfred acknowledged that those players have their spots in the record books but added that he understands why some fans feel more connected to Judge and Roger Maris.

"I think that over the history of the game, there have been different eras, the ball performed differently, the equipment was different, and I think the best way to handle it is to let fans make their own judgment as to what records are most significant to them," Manfred said.

Judge is the presumptive favorite to take home his first career American League MVP. The 30-year-old slugger led MLB in runs scored (133), OPS (1.111), and fWAR (11.4) this season.

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