The New York Yankees faced off against the Chicago Cubs in a pivotal weekend series that underscored their championship aspirations. The Yankees kicked off the series with a commanding victory, winning 11-0 on Friday. While much attention was given to Carlos Rodón’s phenomenal eight shutout innings and Cody Bellinger’s impressive three-homer game, Aaron Judge captured headlines with outstanding defensive displays that shifted the game’s narrative.

Judge not only delivered on offense but also made key defensive maneuvers. In the fourth inning, while leading 3-0, Judge showcased his skills by robbing Cubs’ All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong of what would have been his 26th home run of the season. Statcast measured the drive at 327 feet, but Judge, standing at 6-foot-7, leaped to make the catch, denying Crow-Armstrong’s potential score.

Alongside this remarkable feat, Judge’s prowess continued as he also intercepted a sure hit from Dansby Swanson, turning a would-be double into an easy out. In the eighth inning, he repeated the sequence, this time dealing with Kyle Tucker who was poised to drive in runs with two on base but saw Judge again thwart his efforts.

These incredible plays emphasized Judge’s dual threat as both a power hitter and an elite defender, further solidifying his standing as the leading MVP candidate in the American League.