Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani
Getty Images

Captain Aaron Judge is set to lead the New York Yankees to the World Series for the first time in his career and against him will be standing LA Dodgers, a team featuring NL MVP front runner Shohei Ohtani. Judge and Ohtani have always had a rivalry when it comes to numbers and status.

Aaron Judge beat him in 2022 to grab the AL MVP honours. Since then, Shohei Ohtani has moved to NL to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. Having said that, as the Yankees-Dodgers World Series showdown nears, the Yankee captain showered big praise on his rival, who took the MLB fanbase by storm.

   

Aaron Judge Calls Ohtani The Best Player In MLB

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani
Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani

As the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers approaches, baseball fans are gearing up for a matchup between two iconic franchises, each filled with star power. Among these stars, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani stand out as two of the game’s most electrifying players. During a recent media session at Yankee Stadium, Judge praised Ohtani, calling him “the best player in the game,” a sentiment shared by many in the baseball community. Notably, Judge, coming off a phenomenal regular season where he hit .322 with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, is a leading candidate for his second MVP award. However, despite his impressive numbers, he expressed his admiration for Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani had an extraordinary season, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. Naturally, Ohtani’s fireworks left Aaron Judge in awe, and he emphasized how under-appreciated Ohtani’s 50 stolen bases were in the context of his overall performance. “It’s just, he’s an impressive athlete. He’s the best player in the game, and what an ambassador for this sport,” Judge said. Additionally, Judge acknowledged that Ohtani’s versatility and hard work make him a role model for young players, noting that the Japanese superstar plays the game “the right way” and hustles on every play, setting a positive example for the next generation. However, the captain also pointed out that the Dodgers are not a one-man show. With former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also in their lineup, the Dodgers boast a dangerous offense.

Judge Reflects On Career First World Series Appearance

Yankees, Aaron Judge
Nick Cammett / Getty Images Sport

Aaron Judge couldn’t hide his excitement as the New York Yankees gear up for their highly anticipated World Series showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reflecting on his childhood memories and what it means for the city of New York, Judge shared, “This is where the real fun starts. The way the city comes alive, it’s definitely special.”

Indeed, for captain Aaron Judge, this moment is not just about personal achievement but a lifelong dream coming to life. Having grown up watching the New York Yankees dominate the Fall Classic, he now has the opportunity to be part of that legacy, knowing full well how much it means to the fans and the city.

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