Aaron Judge capped off a season for the ages by being named MLB Player of the Year, an honor voted on by his peers, beating out Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. and Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani. Judge, who also took home the American League’s Outstanding Player of the Year award, was recognized for his leadership and offensive dominance, marking the second time he’s swept both titles in a single season, the first being in 2022.
Aaron Judge’s historic season earns top honors over Ohtani
In a season that saw the Yankees captain achieve historic feats at the plate, Judge slashed an extraordinary .322/.458/.701, with a staggering 1.159 OPS and 58 home runs. His offensive WAR (11.7), as calculated by Baseball Reference, places this season as the sixth-best offensive year of all time and the highest in history for a player not named Babe Ruth or Barry Bonds. The awards, first introduced in 1998 and determined by a secret ballot among MLB players, include prize money that each recipient donates to a charity of their choice, adding a meaningful touch to an already prestigious honor.
Aaron Judge’s competition this season was fierce, as he beat out some of the game’s biggest stars. Ohtani, who emerged as Judge’s World Series opponent and continues to redefine expectations in the league, claimed the National League’s Outstanding Player of the Year Award. This marks the third time Ohtani has won the title, having previously earned it in 2021 and 2023 when he was with the Los Angeles Angels in the American League. Both Judge and Ohtani are heavily favored to take home MVP honors for their respective leagues.
The Player Choice Awards didn’t just celebrate Aaron Judge and Ohtani’s dominance. Across the league, standout performances were highlighted, showcasing some of the season’s most impressive achievements. In the American League, Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal earned Outstanding Pitcher honors after a breakout season, while Boston’s Tyler O’Neil was recognized as the AL Comeback Player of the Year. In the National League, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves claimed dual titles as both Outstanding Pitcher and Comeback Player of the Year, exemplifying resilience and skill after a challenging return from injuries.
Among the rookies, Baltimore’s Colton Cowser and San Diego’s Jackson Merrill were selected as the Outstanding Rookies for their respective leagues, recognized for their impactful debuts and contributions to their teams’ success. Additionally, Milwaukee’s Rhys Hoskins was awarded both the Marvin Miller Man of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year honors. Hoskins, known for his commitment to community work, has raised over $1 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, setting a standard for off-field contributions that resonate with fans and players alike.
For Aaron Judge, this year’s recognition draws comparisons to his 2022 season, when he also captured both Player of the Year titles and went on to win the American League MVP. With his second dual award season, expectations are similarly high for Judge this year. The BBWAA MVP award winners for each league will be revealed on November 21, 2024, and many anticipate seeing Judge’s name on the list once again.
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