USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) stands in the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) stands in the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Judge is having a historically great season, is he a ‘beast’? According to Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola and Dodgers star Mookie Betts, he certainly is—and much more. With over 40 home runs this season, Judge is the top hitter in baseball, and his incredible play is turning heads beyond just his fan base. Even those on opposing teams are talking about his impressive performance.
In a recent podcast episode of On Base with Mookie Betts, Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, and Dodgers star Mookie Betts were seen having a candid chat about Judge’s incredible achievements this season. Nola didn’t hold back, describing Judge as “different” and “a beast,” while we could see Mookie Betts, laughing, nodding in agreement.
Aaron Nola opens up about the ‘Aaron Judge dominance’
In the fourth episode of On Base with Mookie Betts, Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola joined Dodgers star shortstop Mookie Betts to talk about tying the MLB consecutive strikeouts record. When Nola asked Betts about what he thought of the Yankees, Betts mentioned that while the Yankees are a strong team, Judge is especially impressive. “The Yankees, they’re not a sleeper team, but when you’ve got Judge, you’ve got a guy getting walked with nobody on, that says a lot”
The dominance of the 32-year-old baseball star is such that pitchers are walking him even with nobody on base. Although the Yankees may recently had a rough patch, now, they are over it. During a recent game, Judge hit his 41st home run, a two-run shot in the first inning that tied him with Babe Ruth for the most home runs in the first inning for the Yankees. Despite his success, Blue Jays manager John Schneider decided to walk Judge with two outs and no one on base, showing just how intimidating Judge has become.
Continuing on the same Aaron Nola said, “He’s different, he’s a beast” to which Dodgers star Mookie Betts laughed and nodded in agreement. Yes, this is quite true, as the Yankees captain is having yet another MVP season with leading in home runs (41), RBI (103), OPS (1.154), and a WAR of 7.6. But now, the question is whether he’ll get the MVP this season because the current dynamics might highlight that he has a competition.
Will Judge lose the MVP award?
Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t have been a question, but then, he has Bobby Witt Jr. breathing down his neck. Bobby recently hit two home runs for the Royals on Wednesday, leading fans to suggest he should be a top contender for the American League MVP award. While it’s hard to predict what lies ahead, the scene would be tragic if Judge loses out on an MVP despite such a successful year.
Notably, WFAN radio host Keith thinks otherwise, as he claimed “They’re gonna try and walk Judge, pitch around Judge…but Judge is just a machine, I see all this talk about Bobby Witt Jr. for MVP, and I’m like chill, pump your brakes.” While Witt’s performance has been impressive with a strong OPS of 1.000, Judge’s stats are still superior in several key areas. His batting average is slightly lower than Witt’s, but he has more home runs and RBIs. And in terms of overall value (WAR), Aaron Judge leads with a score of 7.9 compared to Witt’s 7.5.
Looking at how well Aaron played this season, Boone said for Judge, “We’re watching greatness. So you try not to take that for granted. Try to appreciate every now and then what we have” The situation of him losing is quite unlikely, especially with him being in his beast mode as Mookie said. Now, as the season unfolds, the MVP debate is getting interesting. Who do you think deserves the MVP this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
