It’s been a baseball year for the ages. From underdogs rising to meet established teams to underperforming clubs, it has been a season full of surprises. Looking at 2023 from the lens of 2022, many failed to meet expectations. But some rarities, like Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr., surpassed previous statistics. Which begs the question – which of them is a “better player”?

In the AL, Shohei Ohtani has undoubtedly been a dominant force. If not for his injury, the New York Yankees captain would have been toe-to-toe with the two-way sensation. Nevertheless, Judge’s performance at the plate has regained him fan favor, reminiscent of last year’s numbers. But did the young Atlanta Braves star surpass him in 2023?

Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 or Aaron Judge in 2022?

Last year’s campaign from the Pinstriped captain was so impressive that even non-Yankees fans tipped their caps to him. Leading the league in nearly all offensive stat lists, Aaron Judge was, quite simply, unbelievable. Already an oddity at 6’7″, Bronx fans hailed him as superhuman. Stealing the AL MVP title from two-way wonder Shohei Ohtani, the Yankees slugger’s penultimate season culminated in setting a record for single-season home runs.

An injury sustained at Dodger Stadium on June 3rd took away the chances of a similar 2023, but in the meantime, Ronald Acuña Jr. rose to prominence. Already a much-touted player, the 25-year-old achieved an astonishing feat in 2023, one that no one in the majors has ever accomplished.

By the regular season’s end, Acuña had more than 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases. He is now the overwhelming favorite for the NL MVP title, the first of his career.

Truth be told, it might take years for another player to come anywhere close because the last one to do it was Barry Bonds in his rookie years. As fans know today, that period of achievements is tainted with PEDs, and many disregard those years entirely.

But it’s not just a matter of one outstanding stat, it’s Acuña and Judge’s all-around ability to play as baseballers. Fans are in disagreement over whose season was better, the Braves slugger in 2023 or the Yankees captain in 2022.

Baseball Fans Are Unsure of Player Allegiance

Both are undoubtedly great players on their respective teams, but as is the fate of talented individuals, a comparison is natural. However, fans stand divided on their allegiances.

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One was all in for the Braves slugger.

One admitted Judge was good, but thought Acuña was better.

Another one had a radical point and thought the duo should not be compared – both were excellent.

One joked that however good the Yankees captain was, he lost to the Dodger Stadium wall.

One fan sang Judge’s praises.

While the Yankees slugger will probably miss out on the MVP award this season, it will be interesting to see if Acuña bags it. What do you think? Is there a better player between the two or no comparisons can do the other justice?

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