New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and LA Dodgers two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani ruled MLB this season with respective career-high seasons. Both are more or less confirmed winners of the AL and NL awards, respectively. However, fans cannot stop debating about who’s better than the other.
Both the New York Yankees and the LA Dodgers achieved success owing to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani’s heroics. While postseason performance will play a factor in determining the ultimate MLB MVP for the 2024 season, lets explore where Judge and Ohtani stand statistically after the conclusions of the regular 162-game stretch season.
Aaron Judge-Shohei Ohtani Continue To Dominate MLB
When comparing Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani for the 2024 MLB MVP, it’s a tough decision between two extraordinary talents who have both had historic seasons. If MLB awarded just one MVP for the entire league, it would come down to these two stars: Judge for the Yankees and Ohtani for the Dodgers. Aaron Judge has once again solidified his place as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball. In 2024, he smashed 58 home runs, drove in 144 RBIs, and posted a remarkable slash line of .322/.458/.701. His 11.2 WAR was the highest in MLB. Moreover, Judge led the league in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS, proving his offensive superiority. On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani delivered a season for the ages with the Dodgers.
After signing a record-breaking contract, he lived up to the hype despite being sidelined from pitching due to elbow surgery. Offensively, Shohei Ohtani hit .310/.387/.643 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 58 stolen bases, and a 9.1 WAR. He scripted history with a 50/50 record and nearly achieved the Triple Crown, finishing just behind Luis Arraez in the batting race. Overall, both Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have legitimate MVP cases. Aaron Judge’s leadership, all-around contributions, and ability to perform in crucial moments helped the Yankees to the top of the AL. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s remarkable two-way talent, despite being sidelined from pitching, redefined what a player can achieve in MLB. Having said that, for the broader baseball community, Shohei Ohtani’s versatility may give him the edge compared to Aaron Judge. But ultimately, both players had historic seasons worthy of the highest honor in baseball.
Judge Surpasses Barry Bonds’ Slugging Percentage Record
With the regular season coming to an end, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge scaled a new career milestone. He finished with a .701 slugging percentage, a feat achieved last by Barry Bonds in 2004. Not only that, Judge finishes with a career-high average (.322), RBIs (144), OBP (.458), and OPS (1.159). With playoffs in sight, Judge will aim for the home run record next.
Not only did Aaron Judge put up impressive individual numbers, but he also played a crucial role in leading the New York Yankees to the AL East title. After setting an AL record with 62 home runs in 2022, Judge has continued to build on his legacy. In 2024, his production reached new heights, solidifying him as the centerpiece of the Yankees’ postseason ambitions.
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