Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode: Hour 2: Judge v Jeter?

Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Title: Judge v Jeter?

Overview

In this compelling episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into one of baseball's most debated topics: comparing Yankees legends Aaron Judge and Derek Jeter. The discussion spans statistical analyses, Hall of Fame considerations, and the broader impact each player has had on the New York Yankees franchise.

1. Setting the Stage: Baseball's Mid-Season Landscape (00:29 – 01:44)

Don Hahn opens the conversation by providing an update on the current baseball season, mentioning key team performances:

• Don Hahn: "Mets lead in the division is four. Yankees four and a half. So got a couple of first place teams here." (00:29)

He highlights the Mets' struggles and the Yankees' position as the season progresses towards summer, setting the context for the deeper discussion on Judge and Jeter.

2. Aaron Judge's Stellar Performance and Comparisons to Legends (01:44 – 08:58)

The core of the episode centers around Aaron Judge's impressive statistics and his place among the Yankees' all-time greats. Don Hahn emphasizes Judge's remarkable numbers:

• Don Hahn: "These are Mickey Mantle numbers, man. These are Garrick numbers." (08:58)

Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn engage in analyzing Judge's stats compared to Derek Jeter, debating whether Judge's current performance warrants his inclusion in the Yankees' Mount Rushmore.

3. Statistical Breakdown: WAR, Batting Average, and OPS (04:26 – 07:22)

The hosts delve into a detailed statistical comparison between Judge and Jeter:

• Peter Rosenberg: "Jeter's WAR is 71.3. Judge's WAR is 57.8." (04:57)

• Don Hahn: "Judge's career batting average is .295 compared to Jeter’s .310." (05:35)

The discussion highlights that while Jeter boasts a higher batting average over a longer career, Judge's offensive contributions, particularly in OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), surpass Jeter's:

• Peter Rosenberg: "OPS for Judge is 1.026 compared to Jeter's .817." (05:57)

4. Defensive Prowess and Gold Gloves Debate (06:11 – 07:43)

Defense is another key area of comparison. While Jeter was renowned for his clutch plays and leadership, Judge's defensive skills, especially his powerful arm, are lauded:

• Don Hahn: "Judge is probably a better right fielder than Jeter was a shortstop." (06:12)

• Alan Hahn: "Five Gold Gloves at shortstop versus zero at right field, but five Gold Gloves at shortstop in an era where shortstop was like the premier position." (07:19)

The hosts discuss the subjective nature of defensive awards and how they impact the legacy of each player.

5. Hall of Fame Considerations and Legacy (08:58 – 16:05)

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Hall of Fame prospects for both players. Don Hahn argues that Aaron Judge's numbers are on par with some of baseball's all-time greats, suggesting a deserving Hall of Fame future:

• Don Hahn: "If he continues to play the next three, four years at this level, he is gonna be right up there as one of, if not the greatest Yankees of all time." (22:18)

In contrast, the conversation touches upon Derek Jeter's intangible contributions, such as leadership and memorable postseason performances, which have cemented his legacy despite not always leading in traditional statistics.

6. Championships and Team Impact (16:05 – 22:18)

The hosts examine the importance of championships in evaluating a player's legacy. Don Hahn points out that while Jeter has multiple World Series rings, Judge has yet to secure a championship, which influences public perception and legacy considerations:

• Peter Rosenberg: "He still has to win one, Don. He's got to win one. Otherwise he's done." (13:30)

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss how the changing landscape of baseball—with increased parity and more teams vying for titles—makes winning championships more challenging today compared to Jeter's era.

7. Building a Championship-Team for Judge (22:18 – 38:56)

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the responsibility of the Yankees' management to construct a team capable of winning championships to complement Judge's individual brilliance:

• Peter Rosenberg: "He's got to have one. We're not saying you got to win multiple. But he's got to have one." (18:16)

Don Hahn agrees, highlighting that organizational support is crucial for Judge to achieve the necessary team success that elevates his legacy to match his statistical achievements.

8. Caller Interaction and Broader Perspectives (43:30 – 50:04)

A listener, Matt from New Jersey, calls in to support Judge's case, arguing against the necessity of multiple championships for legacy comparison. The hosts engage with Matt, reinforcing the episode's core arguments about individual performance versus team success.

• Caller Matt: "Judge took the 2022 team to the playoffs on his own. He carried us the 62 home run year." (44:39)

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg reiterate the points about the evolving standards of excellence and the importance of not holding current players to outdated benchmarks.

9. Concluding Insights and Final Thoughts (50:04 – 51:00)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts summarize their stance that Aaron Judge's individual performance justifies his consideration as one of the Yankees' all-time greats, contingent on future team success and championships.

• Don Hahn: "He is gonna be right up there as one of, if not the greatest Yankees of all time." (22:18)

The episode concludes with a consensus that while championships significantly impact legacy, Judge's extraordinary numbers and potential for future success position him favorably in the annals of Yankees history.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Hahn (00:29): "Mets lead in the division is four. Yankees four and a half. So got a couple of first place teams here."

• Don Hahn (08:58): "These are Mickey Mantle numbers, man. These are Garrick numbers."

• Peter Rosenberg (04:57): "Jeter's WAR is 71.3. Judge's WAR is 57.8."

• Peter Rosenberg (05:57): "OPS for Judge is 1.026 compared to Jeter's .817."

• Don Hahn (22:18): "If he continues to play the next three, four years at this level, he is gonna be right up there as one of, if not the greatest Yankees of all time."

• Peter Rosenberg (18:16): "He's got to have one. We're not saying you got to win multiple. But he's got to have one."

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides an in-depth and thought-provoking analysis of Aaron Judge's place in Yankees history compared to Derek Jeter. Through statistical comparisons, discussions on championships, and listener interactions, the hosts present a balanced view that underscores the complexities of evaluating a player's legacy in modern baseball.

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode offers valuable insights into what defines greatness in baseball and how current players are shaping their legacies in the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.