When it comes to baseball, one thing is inevitable—comparisons! Two names making the most noise and on everyone’s lips today are of course Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. The duo has been creating magic with their game this season, almost making headlines every time they set foot on the diamond. The Japanese superstar touched new boundaries by making it to the exclusive 40-40 club and Judge, well, he is on his way to reaching 60 homers for the second time in his career! 

Ohtani and Judge have been doing so well that people have started comparing them to the icon of baseball Babe Ruth- which is a huge compliment for them. George Herman “Babe” Ruth or “the Sultan of Swat” is considered one of the most legendary players of baseball. Even baseball columnist Joel Sherman agrees that the duo deserves that comparison because such is the gameplay. According to him, Ruth carved a league of his own and the Japanese icon and the Yankee superstar seem to be doing the same.

Do Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have it tougher than Babe Ruth did?

Babe Ruth played in MLB for 22 seasons and achieved the highest of achievement, garnering the status that people still talk about to this day. Many have not seen him play in the diamond, but his stories—well, every fan must have heard about them. He was famous at the time because he played like he was playing another game altogether. While others at his time did four homers, he finished with eleven homers. He was in a league of his own, and this is what we see with Ohtani and Judge as well. Highlighting this, Joel Sherman said, “I’m making a Babe Ruth comparison because they are differentiating themselves from other great players in their sport.” And he isn’t wrong!

Aaron Judge and Ohtani are not breaking records, they are creating them! Sherman noted that despite the allure of nostalgia, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani face tougher challenges today compared to Babe Ruth’s era. Right now, the stats show how much more difficult it is to hit than back at Ruth’s time. In 1927, the batting average in the American League was .284, and now it’s.244 hence definitely a leap in the tough level. The game has developed, and with it, the challenges. Earlier Ruth didn’t face the kind of pitching that today’s players do. He never had to swing at a split-finger pitch or face a closer, hurling 100 mph fastballs. 

Currently, Shohei Ohtani is aiming for 50-50, which is a place where no one sits at all—if he reaches there he will be creating history.  The Los Angeles Dodgers icon now stands at 42-42 and there are plenty of games remaining—so it’s not that farfetched of an idea. Meanwhile, Judge is on the pace to hit 60 home runs and if he does it, it will be his second time doing it. So while Ruth is a legend in his place, Ohtani and Judge are legends in the making. However, even these legends can face roadblocks, and currently, their MVP award might be on the line!

Ohtani and Judge’s MVP might be in danger!

The 2024 AL AND NL MVP races are shaping up to be anything but predictable. But this time yet again, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are undoubtedly the frontrunners and the favorites to win the award. The New York Yankee’s ace is gunning for that second MVP and Ohtani is eying his third award in four years. However, this time they are facing some tough competition. Bobby Witt Jr and Francisco Lindor are coming in as hot candidates, and making a compelling case of their own.

Bobby Witt Jr is propelling the Royals to the post-season contention. He has emerged as one of the top defensive shortstop, leading in outs above average. He is also hitting 77% above the league average and is pacing the major in hits, runs, and batting average. Witt’s has a batting average of .352 and this tops even Aaron Judge’s by 18 points. Though Judge leads in slugging, Witt ranks among the top three in doubles, and triples, and boasts 25 homers. So this says a lot about his serious contention for the award.

Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor too is shaping up to be quite the contender and a favorite among many people. His power on the diamond is propelling the Mets forward. Lindor is hitting .269 with 27 home runs, 78 RBIs, and .826 OPS. He is challenging Ohtani for the MVP award and many think that Lindor actually deserves it more than Shohei Ohtani. This is because, unlike Ohtani, who is just hitting, Lindor is playing the field. 

The reality is that as much as Judge and Ohtani are front runners, the fact that Lindor and Witts Jr are having one of the best seasons of their careers is putting some serious uncertainty into the mix. This year’s MVP battle is shaping up to be one for the ages, with no clear outcome in sight. Who do you think will take the cake? Let us know in the comments.