Aaron Judge just had the best season of his career, leading the New York Yankees to 99 wins. Furthermore, he helped the Yankees reach the ALCS in the postseason. He smashed 62 home runs en route to setting the new single-season AL home run record. Many would consider Judge one of the best players in MLB, if not the best. 

Recently, Mike Trout ranked higher than Judge in a list of the League’s Top 100 players. This baffled fans and left them criticizing the list.

Mike Trout ranks higher than Aaron Judge in ESPN’s Top 100 MLB Players

The 2023 MLB season is set to start in a week’s time. All the League’s top stars are preparing for the season as it draws nearer. Most recently, ESPN released its list of the Top 100 ranked MLB Players. The Top 5, are, 1) Shohei Ohtani, 2) Mike Trout, 3) Aaron Judge, 4) Manny Machado, and 5) Freddie Freeman. Many fans were left shocked that Judge ranked lower than Trout. ESPN shared a link to the list on Twitter.

In a Tweet, ESPN said, “Aaron Judge third 👀 Mookie Betts ninth 😳 We ranked the top 100 players in baseball 📈”. Most fans would not bat an eyelash at Ohtani being ranked first. He is one of the top batters and pitchers in the League. But there was some disagreement over other rankings, especially Trout and Judge.

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The reactions to the list have been negative, with many questioning why Trout was ranked higher than Judge. 

Some mentioned Trout’s injuriy history and inability to stay healthy.

Others said that Judge is clearly the better player today.

This list has certainly ruffled some feathers ahead of the upcoming MLB season. Judge has been focused on Spring Training and the New York Yankees ahead of an important season. Trout is also looking to have a good season after a fantastic World Baseball Classic Finals run.

Judge and Trout are in completely different positions

Despite being 2nd and 3rd in ESPN’s top 100, Mike Trout and Aaron Judge are in completely different positions. Trout is going into the 2023 season hoping to make the postseason for the first time since 2014. Judge, on the other hand, is hoping to lead his New York Yankees to the World Series. 

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Furthermore, Judge has ensured his legacy is intact by signing a $360 million deal with the Yankees and being named Captain. Fans are questioning Trout’s legacy as his Angels continue to miss the postseason. What do you think of Mike Trout ranking ahead of Aaron Judge? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.