Considering individual performances, Aaron Judge appears to be the prime contender for American League’s MVP award. But off-late, some critics and fans alike have put forth other nominees. One of the names to ring through the most is that of Shohei Ohtani. The obvious logic behind the pick is Ohtani’s unmatched versatility.

Aaron Judge is a modern-day baseball icon. Judge plays as an outfielder and hard-hitting slugger for the New York Yankees. He is a four-time All-Star member. On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani is a two-way enigmatic player for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani is equally effective both with the bat and ball. He is a two-time All-Star member.

Judge leads the way in home runs count for the ongoing MLB season. With 50+ home runs to his credit already, he is on track to rewrite baseball history. His batting record alone recommends him as a frontrunner for the MVP award. But those who disagree have chosen Ohtani as the better contention for the honor. 

Shohei Ohtani joins Aaron Judge in the race 

Amidst inconsistencies, Aaron Judge has continued his electrifying batting form this year. While Shohei Ohtani, though not as successful as in the last season, is still being impactful. No player can be everybody’s choice for the MVP award. Differences of opinions among fans and critics will always exist. 

Judge maintains a huge gap with Ohtani in terms of the home runs tally. But home runs can’t be the only measure for the MVP award. Even performances of pitchers are taken into account for the title. So what sets Ohtani apart is his dual productivity.

Ohtani’s accurate pitching and emphatic hitting skills put him ahead of any other player. Statistics can’t be the definition of a player’s greatness. The mere fact that Ohtani can bat and pitch makes him a unique presence, as Judge and most other baseball players’ expertise stay confined to either the bat or ball.

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Compared to Judge, Ohtani has only hit 30 home runs this season. But what empowers the value of that number is a brief analysis of Ohtani’s pitching. So far, he has registered an 11-8 win-loss record with 176 strikeouts and 2.67 ERA in 22 games. Furthermore, another noteworthy fact is that he installs such stellar records playing for a struggling team like the Angels. 

The chances for the two players 

The Angels, with a poor record, are out of any title contention. Whereas the Yankees somehow still stand atop the American League East zone. So with the Yankees looking to travel far, Judge gets a better chance to make a stronger case. But in multiple ways, Ohtani has already proven his point.

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So, whom do you pick from amongst Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani as the American League MVP? Or is it some other player? Please let us know in the comments section.