The MVP Race: Shohei Ohtani vs. Aaron Judge
As the baseball world gears up for the announcement of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in November, the spotlight shines brightly on two of the game’s brightest stars: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. Both players are poised to add another MVP trophy to their collections, but only one will have the added glory of being a World Series champion. With the New York Yankees facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic, the stakes have never been higher.
A Historic World Series
This year’s World Series is particularly noteworthy, featuring five former MVPs, including Ohtani and Judge. Their performances over the past few seasons have set them apart from their peers. Ohtani, who has already claimed AL MVP honors in 2021 and 2023, and Judge, who broke the American League home run record with 62 homers in 2022, have both established themselves as elite talents in Major League Baseball.
Ohtani’s transition to the National League has allowed both him and Judge to compete for MVPs in the same season, showcasing their extraordinary skills at the plate. As fans eagerly await the MVP results, the question remains: who had the better year?
A Statistical Showdown
When comparing the offensive statistics of Ohtani and Judge for the 2024 season, the numbers tell a compelling story.
Aaron Judge’s 2024 Stats:
- Batting Average: .322
- Home Runs: 58
- RBIs: 144
- On-base Plus Slugging (OPS): 1.159
- Hits: 180
- Stolen Bases: 10
- Wins Above Replacement (fWAR): 9.1
- OPS+: 223
Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 Stats:
- Batting Average: .310
- Home Runs: 54
- RBIs: 130
- OPS: 1.036
- Hits: 197
- Stolen Bases: 59
- fWAR: 9.1
- OPS+: 190
Ohtani made history this season by becoming the first player to achieve a 50/50 season, finishing with 54 home runs and an impressive 59 stolen bases. However, despite his remarkable achievements, Judge’s overall production gives him the edge in several key categories, including home runs, batting average, RBIs, OPS, OPS+, and WAR. Ohtani’s only advantages came in hits and stolen bases.
The Impact of League Separation
One of the intriguing aspects of this MVP race is the separation of the two players into different leagues. Had Ohtani and Judge been competing in the same league, it’s hard to imagine Judge not securing a second MVP award, given his superior overall numbers. Nevertheless, the unique circumstances of their respective leagues mean that both players are likely to end up with a combined total of five MVPs when the results are announced.
World Series Glory
While both Ohtani and Judge are on the cusp of adding another MVP to their resumes, the ultimate prize remains the World Series championship. The Yankees and Dodgers are two of the most storied franchises in baseball history, and the outcome of this series will determine which player can claim the title of World Series champion alongside their MVP accolades.
Contract Comparisons: Ohtani vs. Judge
The financial landscape of Major League Baseball has shifted dramatically in recent years, and both Ohtani and Judge have capitalized on their talents during free agency.
Shohei Ohtani’s Contract:
In December, Ohtani signed a jaw-dropping 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, marking the largest deal in the history of team sports. However, he is only set to earn $2 million this season, as $680 million of his contract is deferred without interest until 10 years after the deal ends. This structure allows the Dodgers to manage their payroll while still being subject to luxury tax obligations, as the deal counts for $46 million against the luxury tax threshold this season.
Aaron Judge’s Contract:
In contrast, Judge’s contract with the Yankees is a more modest nine-year, $360 million deal, which translates to an annual salary of $40 million. This contract ranks fourth in total value and fifth in average annual value across the league. Judge’s free agency journey was marked by a historic 2022 season, where he broke the AL single-season home run record, ultimately leading to a fierce bidding war that the Yankees won. Shortly after signing, Judge was named the Yankees’ first captain since Derek Jeter, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone.
The Legacy of Two Superstars
As the baseball season reaches its climax, the narratives surrounding Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge continue to evolve. Both players have made indelible marks on the game, and their legacies will be further defined by their performances in the World Series and the upcoming MVP announcements. With their incredible talent and competitive spirit, Ohtani and Judge are not just vying for individual accolades but are also shaping the future of baseball itself.