Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the biggest names in modern-day baseball. These guys have been running for the MVP race every year since 2021. Previously, the Japanese sensation was playing in the American League, representing the Los Angeles Angels. He has won two MVPs in the last three years. In 2024, the two-way superstar is up as the favorite to win the National League Most Valued Player. Currently, the Unicorn represents the LA Dodgers after signing the biggest free agent contract in MLB history last offseason.
On the other hand, Aaron Judge is again up for the MVP race in the American League. He is on pace to break his own AL single season Home Run record (62 in 2022). When the two biggest names in the sport continue to display great performances, they can overshadow excellent performances by other great players. This year, such an unfortunate name is Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), who can feel the same pressure because of the Judge-Ohtani rivalry.
Dodgers Pitcher Wonders Why Bobby Witt Jr. Isn’t Getting The Attention He Deserves This Year
Recently, in an interview with the ‘On Base With Mookie Betts’ podcast, Jack Flaherty compared Bobby Witt’s season with that of Ohtani’s so far. The Dodgers hurler feels bad for the Royals hitter because people ain’t noticing him due to Judge and Ohtani. First of all, the New York Yankees captain leads the league in several offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, and so on. Then, he can go past 62 home run mark this year. Hence, everybody’s eyes are on the California native.
On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani is on the pace to have a 50-50 season. It can be really historic if he can hit 50 homers as well as record 50 stolen bases this season. Hence, that makes it hard to take eyes off the Dodger’s DH. Moreover, Flaherty said it is the wrong time for Bobby Witt Jr. to put in such good numbers when Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are going full throttle. The Dodgers pitcher proceeded to say, “It’s tough.”
Anyway, Flaherty believes Kansas City Royals will make the postseason in 2024, thanks to the shortstop’s excellent efforts. He added that the Royals are having that year, when they should make the playoffs. Moreover, Flaherty called Witt’s 2024 season so far, “Special.” On top of that, Mookie Betts seemed to agree with his teammate, saying, “Everybody’s talking about Ohtani’s year but nobody’s looking at Witt’s.” Even Betts said, “It’s just bad timing.” The way things stand, fans and experts can believe KC Royals should make the playoffs as they are in second spot at AL Central behind the Cleveland Guardians.
The Royals Shortstop Praises Aaron Judge And Others
Bobby Witt Jr. is just 24 years old but he has shown a lot of maturity. His teammates and manager believes he has the potential to become the greatest Royal. Due to the Yankees captain, Witt is not likely to win the 2024 AL MVP. But he did win the Heart and Hustle Award of the KC Royals. After accepting the award, he joined the ‘Off Base’ program of MLB Network where he named some players who he thinks are must-watch TV this year. Bobby mentioned, “Aaron Judge has been doing something really special this year.”
Adding to that, Witt revealed he loves watching Judge each and every night, “Doing what he has been doing.” Then, the 24-year-old shortstop praised Shohei Ohtani, saying, “He is kind of an obvious answer.” Adding to that, Witt Jr. praised Gunnar Henderson and Elly De La Cruz, saying, “I would like to get to Elly’s level of stealing bases.”
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