There is no doubt that Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge are two of Major League Baseball's (MLB) most impressive hitters today. However, another statistic highlights just how clutch both players have been when facing runners in scoring position (RISP).

Strictly speaking, in terms of batting average with RISP during the current decade (2020–2026), they do not necessarily rank in the top two. What truly sets them apart, however, is the combination of average, power, zone control, and the ability to drive in runs in those situations. In fact, over that span, they have tallied the exact same number of RBIs (322 each).

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Neither "Air Yordan" nor "El Juez" alters their swing to try and drive in runs when there are runners on base. This is arguably the most important factor. Many hitters, with runners on second or third, try to do too much chasing specific pitches, trying to lift the ball, or hunting for a big hit. In the case of these two elite sluggers, they maintain virtually the same approach. This allows them to capitalize on pitcher mistakes without abandoning their game plan.

The milestones shared by Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge since 2020

Over the last seven seasons, Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge have been the hitters most feared by opponents when runners are in scoring position. According to data from Stathead, the Houston Astros designated hitter and the New York Yankees outfielder are the only MLB players this decade to record at least 40 home runs, 300 RBIs, and a .310 batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP).

The Cuban left-handed slugger has amassed 43 home runs, 322 RBIs, and a .318 average (193-for-606) in such situations during that period. Meanwhile, the Yankees' captain has recorded 48 home runs, 322 RBIs, and a .325 batting average (188-for-579).

For seven seasons, they have maintained a combination of elite contact skills and a tremendous ability to inflict damage at the most opportune moments of the game. When pitchers face these two gifted hitters with runners in scoring position (RISP), they face a strategic dilemma a pair of conflicting objectives: avoid giving up a walk, yet also avoid serving up a pitch that can be punished.

Yordan Alvarez has made the difference this season

Against an average hitter, a pitcher can attack more aggressively. Against Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge, a pitch that misses its spot even slightly can turn into a double, a home run, or a multi-run hit. In fact, the Cuban slugger's situation in 2026 perfectly illustrates the issue: opponents issued him 29 intentional walks an Astros record because they preferred putting another batter on base rather than facing him.

Yordan Alvarez’s power gives immense value to even a single hit. That is the difference between a great contact hitter with RISP and others who rely solely on long balls. Of course, one shouldn't look only at batting average with RISP; SLG, wOBA, OPS, and runs produced per opportunity are far more telling when determining who is truly inflicting damage. In the current campaign, the Astros star boasts the best offensive line in MLB with RISP (.367/.577/.759/1.336), tallying eight home runs and 54 RBIs in 130 plate appearances.

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Aaron Judge is no slouch either

Combining size, power, and discipline, Aaron Judge is also one of MLB’s most respected hitters, especially with runners in scoring position. His power forces pitchers to work carefully within the strike zone; when facing him with runners in scoring position, they cannot simply get him out with easy pitches, as a single mistake could prove catastrophic.

He has missed significant playing time this season due to injury. Nevertheless, across 55 plate appearances, he posted offensive averages of .308/.491/.641/1.132, along with four home runs and 21 RBIs. Like the Cuban player, he is considered a clutch hitter.

Note: Much of the data was also sourced from the Baseball Reference website.

Everything has been easier for Yordan Alvarez in Houston

Just as Aaron Judge has been phenomenal as a Yankee since his rookie season, Yordan Alvarez has also shown he feels right at home in an Astros uniform, delivering phenomenal results. Recently, MLB Network posted an interview with the Cuban left-handed slugger on its official X account, in which he expressed his gratitude toward the Houston franchise: "It was the team that opened the door for me and gave me the chance to play in the Major Leagues; that is something I will always carry with me."

Yordan Alvarez is a serious contender for the American League Triple Crown this season. Although Junior Caminero currently holds a one-home-run lead, the Cuban slugger still has a chance to overtake him in that category and make MLB history, as he leads the Junior Circuit in batting average and RBIs.

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