Shohei Ohtani seems to be the newly-found face of MLB, with his name as the best player on the current roster! While Ohtani’s greatness is beyond any doubt, there are arguments against considering Ohtani as the face who runs the place, veteran Aaron Judge. Well, Judge has some numbers to compete with Ohtani, if not better, and ultimately, it’s the Dodgers and the Yankees again!

Ohtani and Judge’s impact on their teams is well recognized; the numbers offer a better view of how they both fare against each other. Despite one being ahead of another, the Dodgers’ hope will be with Ohtani to get back to the World Series again, and the Yankees fans are still betting on Judge to get to the postseason this year. So who is the best player in MLB currently, and what can fans expect from both of these titans this year?

Shohei Ohtani’s best player tag

Ohtani has been noted as the best, considering his two-way playing abilities. While Aaron Judge can be evaluated based on his batting numbers, Shohei Ohtani has both his pitching and batting stats ready. However, the 2024 season can help in a fair evaluation of both considering Ohtani hadn’t pitched due to injury. While Judge ended his 2024 with 58 HRs and 144 RBIs, Ohtani scored 54 HRs and 130 RBIs. Hence, in terms of overall batting stat, Judge is ahead of Ohtani; however, stolen base is where Ohtani is miles ahead of Judge. 

The comparison data shared by ‘TheYankeereport’ show Ohtani got 59 SB and Judge got 10 last year, making Ohtani the first and only player in the history of MLB to get into a 50-50 club. However, apart from that, Judge is ahead of Ohtani in terms of AVG, OBP, SLG, wRC+, and fWAR. “An argument to be made for it if Ohtani is pitching and hitting but to say that he’s a better hitter than Judge is just so blatantly false,” the report stated. Indeed, Judge is ahead of Ohtani in terms of designated hitting, and 2024 is the prime example. Nonetheless, Ohtani’s pitching was also considered in selecting him as the best; he last pitched in 2022 and ended with 44 HRs and 219 SOs. 

An exciting year ahead for Ohtani and Judge 

The MLB termed Shohei Ohtani not just the best hitter but the best player, which reflects that his pitching and batting numbers are both considered. While the numbers are undoubtedly in favor of Aaron Judge over Ohtani in terms of pure hitting, he is lagging in getting a World Series ring. Also, this is another area where Ohtani is made the last laugh. Going by this, the Yankees are all hoping for Judge to get them the ring this year; his hitting prowess and flexibility at the outfield can get the team a World Series ring. 

The Dodgers are also hoping that Ohtani can return to his pitching this year and contribute more to get the ring again. Shohei Ohtani is the best in terms of overall value, but there’s still a long way ahead before he catches the hitting numbers of Aaron Judge. Till then, the Dodgers have the best player and the Yankees can have the best batter in MLB—2025 can be the year to witness both of these titans at their very best. 

The competition between Judge and Ohtani will continue to grow, and more records are on the way. Nevertheless, two legends are on their way to get into the Hall of Fame. Who are you rooting for? Share with us below.