USA Today via Reuters
Sep 2, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) throws a ball back to the dugout during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 2, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) throws a ball back to the dugout during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
For the next three days, baseball fans will be treated to a thrilling matchup at Yankee Stadium as the season’s two finest players, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr., share the field. It’s a moment of celebration, but despite being in a fierce MVP race, both players have shown deep admiration for each other. And Witt, in particular, has been struck by the Yankees’ captain’s remarkable humility.
The spark of mutual respect between the two rivals
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“He’s just so consistent,” Witt Jr. told ESPN this week. Plus, he admired how Judge manages to stay healthy, stay on the field, and help the team. In a way, that’s beneficial, as Witt highlighted, “He does that in a good way, and he does it the right way”. And his favorite thing about this? The fact that Aaron does all of it without showing off. “He’s not out there showboating. He’s a big dude,” Bobby emphasized.
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At 6’7″, Judge certainly towers over most players, both in height and presence. But according to his 24-year-old MVP opponent, despite Aaron’s imposing stature and nature, he never flaunts it—his game speaks for itself. Witt Jr. even gave Aaron Judge a royal title, calling him the “King of New York.” That’s one fitting tribute to the 34-year-old’s dominance on the field, right? But this saga of admiration doesn’t stop here; the Yankees slugger, too, has shared high praise for Witt. Judge described Bobby Witt Jr. as a “complete player”, admiring his ability to hit, run, and field with exceptional skill.
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Judge has watched Witt’s evolution closely, as he remarked, “He was already a great player last year, but he continues to improve every single game I watch him.” And watching their performance closely, we can say they are only inching closer to one of them lifting the MVP trophy. While fans are now debating who should claim the American League MVP award, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. are on the verge of achieving something truly historic. Instead of seeing their rivalry as a competition that divides them, it’s shaping up to be a moment that binds their legacies together. But how?
Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. on their way to make a record as a duo
In the countless baseball seasons since MLB’s modern era began in 1920, only few players have finished a year with at least 10 wins above replacement, according to FanGraphs. This elite group represents some of the greatest seasons in baseball history. And now, a few additions are going to be there; soon, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. are set to join this prestigious list. The season 2024 is full of records, isn’t it?
Coming back to the players of the moment; they are on track to become only the third duo in the same league to achieve double-digit wins above replacement (WAR) in a season. Here’s a fun fact: This milestone has been reached only 46 times since MLB’s modern era began. The last pair to achieve it was Mickey Mantle and Norm Cash back in 1961. And before that, it was the legendary Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1927. Judge is often compared to Babe Ruth, so, seems like he can add one more similarity.
Undoubtedly, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. have been dominant this season, each ending the weekend at an impressive 9.6 WAR. Their performance has truly set them apart from their contemporaries. With this incredible level of play and the mutual respect they’ve shown each other, their upcoming showdown starting Wednesday promises to be an electrifying event! Who do you think will come out on top in the series; and as for the MVP race, who’s your pick to take home the award? Drop your thoughts in the comment.
