NEW YORK — A heated social media exchange has put FOX Sports personality Ben Verlander at the center of criticism from Yankees fans. The brother of future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander is being accused of bias against Aaron Judge in his posts about the American League MVP race.
Fan highlights double standard in MVP debate
The controversy, as reported by YanksGoYard began when ‘X’ user @realboshek posted screenshots showing Verlander’s conflicting messages about MVP timing. The post quickly spread among Yankees supporters, who have long argued that media voices apply different standards when evaluating Judge.
In 2024, when Bobby Witt Jr. entered MVP discussions, Verlander urged caution.
“Pump the brakes in August,” Verlander said last year, claiming it was too early to declare Judge the MVP despite his dominant numbers.
Fast forward to 2025, and Verlander’s approach shifted. With Cal Raleigh reaching 60 home runs in July, Verlander called the race over.
“There’s not a world in which this man isn’t the Most Valuable Player. It’s over. That’s a wrap. Big Dumper is your 2025 AL MVP,” Verlander wrote on September 25.
The stark difference in timing has fueled accusations of hypocrisy and bias.
Yankees fans push back on Verlander
The reaction among Yankees supporters has been sharp. Many accuse Verlander of dismissing Judge’s achievements while boosting his rivals.
“The only aspect of this that’s frustrating is the blatant efforts to rile the rest of the baseball community against Judge,” one fan response read.
This is not the first time Verlander has drawn attention for similar comments. Last year he promoted Witt Jr.’s candidacy based on his .332 average and 211 hits. Yankees fans argued those numbers alone did not outweigh Judge’s all-around dominance.
Judge’s 2025 season dominates the field
While debates play out on social platforms, Judge’s numbers continue to make his case. The Yankees captain is delivering one of the best seasons of his career.
Through September 27, Judge is batting .330 with a .458 on-base percentage and .687 slugging percentage, good for a 1.145 OPS. He has 111 RBIs, 124 walks, and 135 runs scored.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has made it clear he believes Judge is the top candidate.
“Nothing Aaron Judge does surprises me; to me, he’s the clear-cut MVP,” Boone said. “Batting title, feel like he’s been on base seven times a day the last week. Whether they don’t pitch to him, pitch to him, hitting it out of the ballpark.”
Boone also praised Judge’s defense.
“Made a really good play in right field to open the game, you see his athleticism out there. I don’t put anything past 99. He’s playing like an all-time great.”
Statistical case strengthens Judge
Judge leads Major League Baseball in several categories that often weigh heavily in MVP voting. He is positioned to become only the third player in history, after Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle, to hit 50 or more home runs and win a batting title in the same season. He is the fourth player after Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire to hit more than 50 home runs in four seasons.
Such an achievement would elevate Judge’s 2025 campaign into one of the rarest statistical seasons ever recorded.
Even critics acknowledge that Judge is having the stronger season across the board. Still, they argue that Raleigh’s power surge makes him the story of the year.
Media fatigue enters the conversation
Part of the pushback against Judge involves what some call “media fatigue.” On his show, Dan Patrick told ESPN’s Jeff Passan that he has “Aaron Judge fatigue.” He compared it to what fans once expressed about Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani dominating MVP races.
This idea troubles Yankees fans, who say dominance should not be discounted just because it is consistent. They note that Trout and Ohtani were celebrated for winning multiple MVPs, while Judge faces skepticism.
Raleigh’s historic season adds fuel
Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh has built a remarkable case of his own. He reached 60 home runs on September 25, making him the first catcher and switch hitter to do so. He also led the Mariners to their first division crown in more than 20 years.
Raleigh now has a chance to surpass Judge’s 2022 American League record of 62 homers in a season. His power numbers and position scarcity create a compelling narrative for voters.
Still, Yankees fans insist that Raleigh’s success should not be used as a tool to diminish Judge’s production.
Yankees stay firm behind their captain
Inside the Yankees clubhouse, there is no debate. Judge remains the centerpiece of the team’s push for October and the leader of the roster.
Boone emphasized Judge’s ability to handle pitchers who avoid challenging him.
“I think that’s a big part for him because obviously, pitchers, unlike probably anyone in baseball, pitch really carefully to him,” Boone said. “And are going to try and force him to get himself out, or otherwise, they’re just going to keep it moving and put them on. So, he’s become really good at controlling the strike zone and not leaving much.”
A third MVP award in four years would solidify Judge’s place in history. He captured the award in 2022 with a record 62 home runs and again in 2024. Adding another would place him in rare company and strengthen his Hall of Fame case.
For now, Yankees fans continue to challenge voices like Ben Verlander’s, determined to spotlight what they see as unfair treatment of their captain. Judge’s numbers speak loudly, and the fan base shows no signs of letting bias drown them out.
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