Aaron Judge Loses Record as Kevin McGonigle Breaks It
**Aaron Judge** saw his home‑run record shattered on the Tuesday night before the All‑Star break when **Kevin McGonigle** of the Detroit Tigers launched his 62nd long ball, eclipsing Judge’s previous mark.
McGonigle stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning at Comerica Park and sent a fastball over the left‑field wall. The blast marked his 62nd of the season, a number that nudged him past the 61‑home‑run total set by Judge last year. The Tigers rallied to a 7‑4 win, and the crowd erupted as the new record was confirmed by the official scorer.
Judge, now with the New York Yankees, entered the game with a chance to extend his own milestone. The loss of the record doesn’t change his standing as a premier power hitter, but it does add a fresh narrative to his 2026 campaign. Analysts note that while Judge still leads the league in career home runs, the single‑season benchmark now belongs to a rookie. The shift could fuel a late‑season push for Judge to reclaim the top spot.
Breaking a record that stood for only one season underscores the surge in power numbers across MLB. Pitchers are facing a new wave of slugging talent, and teams are adjusting their scouting reports accordingly. McGonigle’s achievement also highlights the Tigers’ developing farm system, suggesting that Detroit may become a regular contender for power‑hitting accolades.
Judge is slated to return after the All‑Star break with the Yankees set to face the Boston Red Sox on July 15. He’ll look to add to his season total and possibly retake the record before the regular season ends. Fans will be watching his at‑bats closely, especially in high‑profile matchups where every home run carries extra weight.
The record‑breaking night has already sparked interest from several teams, with rumors of a potential trade package circulating. McGonigle’s agent confirmed that the player is focused on finishing the season strong, aiming to keep the momentum going into September. If he maintains his pace, he could finish the year with well over 70 homers, a figure that would place him among the all‑time single‑season leaders.
The break now carries added intrigue. Fans will compare Judge’s post‑break performance with McGonigle’s continued power surge. The upcoming All‑Star Game may feature both players, offering a direct showdown of the season’s two biggest sluggers.
The record shift adds a fresh layer to the narrative of the 2026 MLB season, and all eyes will be on how both athletes respond in the weeks ahead.