Can Aaron Judge upset the MVP apple cart in 2023?

The New York Yankees' captain, Aaron Judge
AP
Amanda Paula
Sunday September 3, 2023

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Aaron Judge, the towering force of the New York Yankees, has been making headlines in the 2023 baseball season with his remarkable comeback after a prolonged stint on the injured list. Despite facing adversity due to his injuries, the Yankees’ captain is proving once again why he is the reigning MVP in the league.

After missing nearly two months of games due to a ligament injury, Aaron Judge’s chances of retaining his MVP title seemed almost impossible. However, recent developments suggest that he may be inching closer to beating his MVP rival, Shohei Ohtani.

Aaron Judge’s MVP comeback: Is Ohtani’s reign in danger?

The 2023 season has been challenging for Aaron Judge, who spent an extended period on the injured list. His absence not only affected the team’s performance but also posed a personal challenge as he recovered from consecutive hip and toe injuries. However, Judge is not one to make excuses, and his determination has been on full display.

Aaron Judge - the star of the New York Yanks during the game against the Nationals, on August 23, 2023.
USA Today Sports

In a recent Twitter chart by Talkin’ Yanks, the home run leaderboard displayed the top 5 hitters, with Aaron Judge surprising everyone by securing a close 4th position. What’s even more impressive is Judge’s steady progress towards Ohtani, solidifying his status as an exceptional player.

Last week, Judge was tied for 4th place in another chart, alongside Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox, with both players hitting 29 home runs. The latest chart reveals that Aaron Judge has surpassed Devers, claiming the 4th position solely. This development raises questions about Ohtani’s status as the uncontested MVP and whether Judge’s comeback could pose a serious challenge.

Despite the competitive nature of baseball, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have a history of supporting and pushing each other to excel. Judge’s recent achievements and impressive statistics highlight his potential to disrupt the MVP race once again.

The 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Aaron Judge. Following his return from a near two-month-long hiatus due to injury, his prospects for retaining the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award appeared dim. An extended stay on the injured list due to ligament damage had not only taken its toll on the Yankees’ performance but also presented a formidable personal challenge as Judge battled to recover from hip and toe injuries. Yet, in true Captain style, Judge refused to offer any excuses and got back to doing what he does best – dazzling on the baseball diamond.

The Captain of the New York Yankees, Aaron Judge.
MLB

A Twitter chart shared by Talkin’ Yanks recently showcased the top five home run hitters, with Aaron Judge securing an impressive 4th place. What’s even more eye-catching is Judge’s gradual advancement towards Shohei Ohtani, the phenomenal two-way player who has been a dominant force throughout the season.

Notably, in a chart from the previous week, Aaron Judge was neck-and-neck with Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox, both players having hit 29 home runs. However, the most recent chart reveals that Judge has pulled ahead, claiming the 4th spot solely. This sudden surge raises pertinent questions about Ohtani’s hitherto undisputed MVP status and whether Aaron Judge’s spectacular comeback could pose a legitimate threat.

Aaron Judge - The captain of the New York Yankees
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Baseball aficionados are well aware of the competitive spirit inherent to the sport, but what makes this rivalry intriguing is the mutual respect and camaraderie shared between Aaron Judge and Ohtani. They have consistently pushed each other to reach greater heights. Earlier this year, Judge expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect of both players surpassing the 63-home run mark, stating, “It would be exciting for the game if we went out there and got 63-plus. So, we’ll see what happens.”

As Aaron Judge continues his astonishing resurgence, baseball enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the outcome of the MVP race. What initially seemed like a foregone conclusion in Ohtani’s favor has now transformed into a thrilling contest, with Judge’s remarkable comeback threatening to rewrite the narrative of the 2023 MLB season. The boundaries of the game are being pushed, and fans couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.

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