Shohei Ohtani vs. Aaron Judge: Who deserves the MLB MVP?

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If Major League Baseball awarded just one MVP for the entire league—no distinctions between the American League (AL) and National League (NL)—this year, the choice would come down to two of the most exciting players in the game: Yankees star Aaron Judge and Dodgers phenomenon Shohei Ohtani. Both have delivered extraordinary seasons, each rewriting the record books in their own ways. Let’s break down why each deserves the crown.

Aaron Judge’s MVP case

Aaron Judge has once again proven why he is one of the greatest power hitters of this generation. In 2024, Judge hit 58 home runs, drove in 144 RBI, 122, and slashed .322/.458/.701, resulting in an 11.2 WAR—the highest in Major League Baseball. He led the league in multiple offensive categories, including home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. Judge’s ability to produce offensively while playing out of position in center field made his contributions even more valuable.

It was just a year ago that Aaron Judge made history, hitting an AL-record 62 home runs in 2022, surpassing a 61-year-old record held by Yankees legend Roger Maris. That historic season also saw Judge accumulate 11.5 WAR, a figure only bested in a single season by Barry Bonds and Pedro Martinez (1999) in the Expansion Era. Judge deservedly took home the AL MVP that year, and in 2024, he arguably improved on many of those numbers.

This year, Aaron Judge helped the Yankees achieve all of their regular-season goals, including clinching the AL East title, securing home-field advantage, and finishing with the best record in the AL. Alongside Juan Soto, Judge anchored one of the most potent offenses in baseball, making New York a favorite heading into the postseason. Yankees fans watched as Judge consistently stepped up in critical moments, carrying an inconsistent lineup on his back and leading the charge to October.

Shohei Ohtani’s MVP case

Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani delivered an unforgettable season for the Dodgers in 2024. After signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal this past winter, expectations were sky-high—and Ohtani more than delivered. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher following elbow surgery, Ohtani had one of the most dominant offensive seasons in baseball history, slashing .310/.387/.643 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 58 stolen bases, and a 9.1 WAR.

Ohtani led the Dodgers to an NL West title and the best record in MLB, consistently providing big moments, including breaking numerous franchise records. In the Dodgers’ penultimate game of the regular season, a 13-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Ohtani went 2-for-5 with a stolen base, bringing his season total to 58 steals—an incredible feat to match his 54 home runs.

Ohtani also nearly achieved the Triple Crown, entering the final game of the season just four points behind the Padres’ Luis Arraez for the batting title. Despite going 1-for-4, Ohtani ultimately finished with a .310 batting average while Arraez ended at .314, narrowly missing what would have been MLB’s first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Nevertheless, Ohtani’s performance this season has been historic, with an August stretch where he recorded 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases, matching a feat last achieved by Carlos Beltrán in 2004.

In 2024, Ohtani’s 54 home runs, 58 stolen bases, and 9.1 WAR underscored his status as a generational talent. His versatility and ability to dominate in every aspect of the game made him a standout even in an already star-studded Dodgers lineup. When he does win the MVP award, Ohtani will join Frank Robinson as one of the only players in history to win the MVP in both leagues—truly a remarkable achievement.

The Verdict: Judge or Ohtani?

For Yankees fans, there is no doubt that Aaron Judge deserves the MVP. His combination of power, consistency, and defensive versatility made him the driving force behind the Yankees’ success this year. Judge wasn’t just putting up numbers—he was leading his team to victory, helping New York clinch home-field advantage and win the AL East, all while securing a playoff berth.

While Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was historic, filled with power, speed, and numerous records, Judge’s all-around contributions, leadership, and impact make him the MVP choice for fans in the Bronx. He’s been the heart and soul of this Yankees team, and his performances in crucial moments gave them the push they needed to finish at the top. For Yankees fans, Aaron Judge isn’t just the best player in baseball this year—he’s their MVP, the cornerstone of a team ready to compete for a World Series title.

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