MLB is never short of throwing up a surprise. While athletes in the league are constantly competing for postseason contention and eventually success, it is not as if the stakes are not personal. In the current scenario, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge remain the two of the biggest faces of the league. While one is the reigning MVP, the other one is probably going to win his 2nd MVP at the end of the season. But as far as the business side is concerned, who is more valuable between these juggernauts?

Well, none other than Michael Jordan may have the answer for this one!

New York Yankees Slugger Signs for The Jordan Brand

NBA legend Michael Jordan has always been one of the most competitive voices out there in the sporting world. So it only stands to reason he would be the same competitive self even off the court. What has surprised many though, is that the Jordan brand, in adding to its baseball portfolio has chosen to go with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.

While not the most surprising fact in isolation, what is surprising is that the signing was announced prior to even signing Shohei Ohtani. A player whom many in baseball consider being a once-in-a-generation prospect who has proven himself before in the major leagues for a few years now. In fact, the two-way phenom has racked up stat lines that have puzzled the entire baseball fraternity. So it is a bit curious that Jordan chose to go the Pinstriped way.

Why would the Jordan brand Sign Aaron Judge over Shohei Ohtani?

There is no certain answer to the question. It could be a consequence of MJ’s decision to think that the Yankees slugger is a more marketable face. While Judge sports the New York Yankees’ pinstripes, Ohtani is an Angels player, contracted to play for the franchise till 2024. Many questions still remain, and answers are scarce.

It appears the players are largely alike in brand recognition. While Ohtani continues to stun the baseball world with his otherworldly displays on offense and from the mound, Judge’s uniform and slugging ability set him up well, too. Although the two may offer skill sets that are different from one another, Judge and Ohtani are carrying the baseball baton for the current generation of players.

Read More: Breaking Down $360,000,000 Aaron Judge’s Brand Endorsements

The players have traded the AL MVP baton for the past few seasons and 2023 looks like it might be Ohtani’s year. But much of the season is yet to be played and while Judge’s Yankees are underperforming, his performances remain superlative.

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