Shohei Ohtani MVP/ Aaron Judge MVP/ MLB 2024 MVP awards/ NL MVP/ AL MVP contenders/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shohei Ohtani is the frontrunner for his third MVP award, this time in the National League, while Aaron Judge is poised to claim his second AL MVP title. Ohtani’s record-breaking season and Judge’s stellar performance highlight their dominance in the 2024 MLB season.
Ohtani and Judge Lead MVP Race for Historic Honors
- Ohtani’s Unprecedented NL Season
- Shohei Ohtani is expected to secure his third MVP award and his first in the National League.
- As the Dodgers’ designated hitter, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to record 50+ home runs and 50+ stolen bases in a single season.
- His stats include a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases.
- Ohtani played through injury, helping the Dodgers clinch the World Series despite a torn labrum.
- Aaron Judge’s Continued Dominance
- Judge is poised to win his second AL MVP award after a stellar season with the Yankees.
- He led MLB with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and 133 walks while batting .322.
- Key Competitors in the Race
- NL Top Contenders: Francisco Lindor (Mets) and Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks).
- AL Top Contenders: Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals) and Juan Soto (Yankees).
Shohei Ohtani Eyes Historic 3rd MVP, Aaron Judge Set for 2nd AL Award
Deep Look: Ohtani and Judge in the Spotlight for MVP Awards
Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are once again at the forefront of Major League Baseball’s most prestigious individual honor, the Most Valuable Player award. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) will announce the winners Thursday, with both players widely considered the favorites in their respective leagues.
Ohtani’s Historic NL MVP Bid
Ohtani, who dominated the American League MVP race in 2021 and 2023, is now poised to add the National League award to his accolades. If he wins, Ohtani would join Frank Robinson as the only players to claim MVP titles in both leagues.
In his debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani set new benchmarks. Exclusively playing as a designated hitter after undergoing elbow surgery, he posted a .310 batting average while smashing 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. He also led the NL with 130 RBIs.
Ohtani’s electrifying play powered the Dodgers to a World Series championship, despite him battling injuries that included a torn labrum in his left shoulder during the final series.
If awarded the MVP, Ohtani will also become the first player in MLB history to win the honor as a primary designated hitter.
Aaron Judge Eyes Another AL MVP Title
Aaron Judge, a pivotal force for the Yankees, is on track to claim his second MVP award. In 2024, Judge led the league in home runs (58), RBIs (144), and walks (133) while maintaining an impressive .322 batting average.
Judge’s power at the plate and his ability to deliver under pressure cemented his status as one of the game’s premier players. His achievements this season further solidify his legacy as a Yankees icon.
The Competition
While Ohtani and Judge are the clear frontrunners, other top contenders have made their cases.
- Francisco Lindor (Mets): A key figure in the Mets’ resurgence, Lindor showcased stellar defense and clutch hitting.
- Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks): Marte’s consistency was instrumental in Arizona’s strong season.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): Witt led MLB with a .332 batting average, complemented by 32 home runs and 109 RBIs.
- Juan Soto (Yankees): Soto impressed with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs while batting .288.
