FRESNO, Calif. – The MLB Postseason is underway, and the Diamond 'Dogs are proudly represented by five alumni on Major League rosters in 2024. Notably, Aaron Judge and Dylan Lee have showcased their talents in the postseason, while Taylor Ward, Justin Wilson, and Austin Wynns have put up impressive numbers during the regular season.
A pair of former 'Dogs also served in coaching roles in 2024 as Tom Goodwin (Atlanta Braves) and Ben Fritz (San Diego Padres) both coached their teams to the Postseason.
AARON JUDGE – NEW YORK YANKEES
Former Bulldog Aaron Judge led the Yankees through a 94-68 season with a .322/.458/.701 slash line. The 2022 American League MVP hit 58 home runs in the regular season to lead the MLB and totaled 180 base knocks including 36 doubles and a triple. Judge drove in 144 runs and scored 122 of his own, also drawing 133 walks. In addition, he was 10 for 10 in base-stealing attempts.
Judge and the Yankees advanced to the ALCS in the 2024 Postseason after knocking out the Kansas City Royals in four games. The six-time MLB All-Star selection contributed with a pair of hits and runs scored in the series. The Yankees will face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS beginning on Monday, October 14, 2024, and 4:38 p.m. PT on TBS, truTV and Max.
DYLAN LEE – ATLANTA BRAVES
Dylan Lee completed his fourth season pitching for the Atlanta Braves in 2024, with a 4-2 record and 2.11 ERA. In 52 appearances, the lefty struck out 76 batters in 59.2 innings pitched and allowed only 17 walks. Opposing batters were limited to 49 hits and 19 runs against Lee with an opponent batting average of .222.
The Braves' Postseason stint was cut short as they were eliminated in the Wild-Card Game by the San Diego Padres. Lee pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief for Atlanta, allowing only one hit for opposing batters.
TAYLOR WARD – LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Diamond 'Dog alum Taylor Ward was a powerhouse for the Angels in 2024 with a .246/.323/.426 slash line. He led the team with 25 home runs and 144 hits in 585 at-bats this season, including 26 doubles and a pair of triples. Ward drove in 75 runs and scored 73 in 156 games played. In addition, he stole six bases and drew 63 walks.
JUSTIN WILSON – CINCINNATI REDS
2008 College World Series Champion Justin Wilson signed with the Cincinnati Reds on March 15, 2024, and made 60 appearances in his second stint with the club. With a 1-5 record, Wilson earned two saves in 46.2 innings. He struck out 51 batters and held opponents to a .231 average with a 5.59 ERA.
AUSTIN WYNNS – CINCINNATI REDS
Austin Wynns played in seven games for the Reds before being placed on the 60-day injured list. In that time he had seven hits with two doubles. He drove in two runs and scored three.