The New York Yankees had a World Series run in the MLB 2024 season largely due to Aaron Judge and Juan Soto’s offensive brilliance. The duo came together to form one of the most lethal batting duos in baseball and achieved great heights, hitting one after another in the lineup.
However, everything has a shelf life, and Juan Soto’s glorious tenure in pinstripes lasted only one season as he entered free agency. However, before he gets to the negation process, Juan Soto is once again in the same conversation as Aaron Judge, as the duo received a notable honor for their extraordinary season.
Yankees Dynamic Duo Confirmed As MLB Finalists
The New York Yankees have two major reasons to celebrate as stars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were named finalists for the 2024 American League MVP award. Aaron Judge’s phenomenal season has made him the favorite for the MVP title. His remarkable stat line, including a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, and 144 RBIs, reflects the career-high 10.8 WAR he posted, topping the league in nearly every offensive category. This season’s effort follows Judge’s record-breaking 2022 season when he won his first MVP. His durability, consistency, and ability to deliver in crucial moments have solidified his place among the franchise’s all-time greats, and another MVP award would only add to his legacy.
Meanwhile, in his debut season with the New York Yankees, Juan Soto also dazzled fans and critics alike. Soto delivered a career-high 166 hits and 41 home runs while driving in 109 RBIs, coming close to his career-best. Although Soto has amassed an impressive list of achievements during his seven-year career, including a World Series title, an MVP award has remained elusive, with his closest finish being second place in 2021. His performance this season solidifies his status as one of the most dynamic hitters in the league, and he has proven himself invaluable in the Bronx, helping lift the Yankees to one of their strongest finishes in recent years. In addition to the MVP nods for Judge and Soto, Yankees rookies Luis Gil and Austin Wells were recognized for their standout debut seasons. Both were named finalists for the AL Rookie of the Year award.
Aaron Judge Receives Backlash For MVP Finals Honour
Aaron Judge’s selection as an AL MVP finalist has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some questioning his candidacy due to his performance in the postseason. While Judge’s regular-season numbers were undeniably impressive, his postseason showing left some fans disappointed. The Yankees ultimately fell short in the World Series, and Judge’s performance under October pressure has led to debate over whether he deserves the MVP title.
Fans frustrated by the team’s championship drought see Aaron Judge as part of the larger issue with the Yankees’ October inconsistency. Some argue that Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. or even Judge’s teammate Juan Soto might be more deserving, given Soto’s consistency in the postseason and Witt’s strong two-way contributions. As the official announcement approaches, Yankee fans await to see if Judge’s historic regular season will outweigh the playoff disappointment in the eyes of MVP voters.
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