Aaron James Judge is the name that we\’ve been hearing time and time in 2022 Major League Baseball. Judge has had one of the most amazing and profuse seasons in the history of MLB. Achieving several milestones along the way, the slugger hit a record-breaking 62 home run in the American League East. Thanks to this marvelous performance for the Yankees, Aaron Judge was among the frontrunners for the MVP award. Now it is official, as Judge has been named among the three finalists of the AL East MVP award for the 2022 season.
Aaron Judge Is Among The Finalist For MVP!
It is officially Awards Season in the Baseball Community following the end of the MLB World Series on Sunday, November 6. The three candidates for each of the four main awards in each league were revealed by Major League Baseball, the Baseball Writers\’ Association of America, and each league on Monday. They are the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Most Valuable Player honors.
To no one\’s surprise, Yankees Slugger Aaron Judge has made the list of top three finalists for AL East MVP. In addition to Judge, Astros\’ Yordan Alvarez And Angels\’ star player Shohei Ohtani are the other two finalists. If it were any other year, two other great contenders would be in the running for the award. But Judge is the overwhelming favorite because of his record-breaking 62 home runs and commanding lead in MLB\’s WAR.
Keeping aside Aaron Judge\’s performance, the last year\’s MVP honor is currently being held by Angels\’ phenom Shohei Ohtani. He has performed superbly for his squad once again this season. The 28-year-old hit.273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI in 157 games with the Angels while pitching his way to a 2.33 ERA in 28 starts. Alvarez had 37 home runs, 97 RBI, and a.306/.406/.613 slash line at the same time. He would later defeat Judge in the ALCS and win the World Series. His final oWAR was 6.3, and he had a 1.018 OPS and 187 OPS+.
The WAR does not totally determine the MVP. However, accumulating nearly two victories more than Ohtani puts Aaron Judge in a good position to earn his first MVP. This would prevent the great player for the Angels from having a chance to retain his title. Breaking the AL record for most home runs in a single season will be very helpful to Judge. In addition, an MVP on his mantle would be a good consolation after nearly missing out on the Triple Crown. Eight winners in all will be announced live on MLB Network from November 14 through November 17 at 6 o\’clock in the evening.