Aaron Judge might not be the most beloved figure among Boston Red Sox fans, but there's no denying his impact on the field. His consistent excellence alongside Shohei Ohtani has set the benchmark in baseball.
Now, imagine if the Red Sox had their own version of Judge. That's the tantalizing prospect fans are considering with the emergence of Justin Gonzales.
Gonzales has been turning heads for a while, thanks to his impressive stature and power potential. At the start of last season, he was already a formidable 6’4”, 210 lbs.
But as a 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic, he wasn't done growing. According to reports, Gonzales has now reached an imposing 6’6”, 277 pounds, putting him in the same ballpark as Judge's 6’7”, 282-pound frame.
But it’s not just the size that draws comparisons to Judge; it's Gonzales' raw power and athleticism. In Single-A last season, he put up a .298/.381/.423 slash line, hitting 23 doubles, two triples, and four home runs over 81 games before a late-season promotion to High-A. He also showcased speed and versatility, driving in 27 runs, scoring 45, and swiping 11 bases.
Gonzales' athletic ability is notable for his size, allowing him to perform well in the outfield, even taking on center field duties. However, he mainly played as a corner outfielder or first baseman in 2024, although he focused solely on the outfield in 2025.
His plate discipline is another standout feature. With a strikeout rate of just 14.6% in Single-A and a walk rate of 9.8%, Gonzales demonstrated maturity beyond his years.
While his four home runs may not leap off the page, it's crucial to remember that Salem’s ballpark is notoriously tough on hitters. His performance, especially at such a young age, is impressive.
Fans and scouts alike have drawn parallels between Gonzales and Judge, and now Gonzales himself is embracing the comparison. While replicating Judge's career-highlighted by Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Sluggers, and three MVP awards-is no small feat, Gonzales' ambition is commendable. Setting high goals is part of the journey, and Gonzales seems poised to carve out his own path, inspired by one of the game's greats.