Aaron Judge led the league in several key offensive categories during the regular season. His numbers included 58 home runs, 144 RBI, a .458 on base percentage and a .701 slugging percentage. The hitter also led in walks with 133 and posted an OPS+ of 223, further underscoring his dominance at the plate.
At 32 years old, Aaron Judge is one of the main contenders for the American League MVP award, an award he already won in 2022. The decision will be made by 30 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with two representatives from each market of the American League casting their votes. The winner will be announced live on MLB Network on Thursday at approximately 6:15 p.m.
His candidacy for the 2024 MVP places him in a tight race against he shortstop for the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. and his Yankees teammate Juan Soto. Each of the contenders boasts an impressive resume, and Soto’s contributions are further highlighted in broader discussions about his impact on the team.
If Aaron Judge wins the honor, he will join an elite group of Yankees who have won multiple MVP titles. The prestigious list includes: Alex Rodríguez (2005, 2007), Roger Maris (1960, 1961), Mickey Mantle (1956, 1957, 1962), Yogi Berra (1951, 1954, 1955), Joe DiMaggio (1939, 1941, 1947 ) and Lou Gehrig (1927, 1936). Babe Ruth missed the bus after winning the MVP award in 1923, as he was ineligible for additional awards.
With Aaron Judge potentially joining this iconic lineup, the announcement is eagerly awaited as a defining moment in Yankees history.
Jeter and CC inspire Aaron Judge’s charity work
At his All Rise Foundation’s annual gala on Monday, Aaron Judge reflected on the inspiration behind the charity he co-founded with his mother six years ago. Judge credited Yankees legend Dave Winfield as an early influence, citing his father’s admiration for Winfield’s philanthropic efforts through his own foundation.
“My inspiration to create the foundation really began [with] all the guys that came before me,” said the Yankees captain. “My dad was a big Dave Winfield fan, and I knew a lot about Dave Winfield and that he had a foundation.”
Aaron Judge also recognized the example of former Yankees stars such as Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia, who prioritized giving back to the community alongside their professional achievements. He noted that conversations with his mother in 2018 about creating a positive impact in the community led to the creation of the All Rise Foundation, which has steadily expanded its reach through 2024.
“You know, Derek Jeter, CC Sabathia, the guys before me, they all had foundations and continued even after they made it,” he added. “They got their big contracts, they did everything they could, All-Stars, MVPs, all that, Cy Youngs, and they’re still trying to give something back to the next generation. I saw him as a kid, I saw him in the little leagues. My mother and I spent many nights talking about how we can continue to help. And this was brewing in 2018, now it is 2024 and it is incredible to see it grow.”
The foundation continues a long tradition of Yankees players making an impact off the field. Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, created early in his career, focuses on helping young people overcome addiction issues. For its part, Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation has supported numerous programs for children, including educational initiatives and recreational opportunities throughout New York.
Aaron Judge emphasized the importance of following these steps, combining professional success with a commitment to charitable work that leaves a lasting legacy.
Will Aaron Judge and Soto team up in 2025?
The most notable absence at Aaron Judge’s All Rise Foundation gala was Juan Soto. However, the Yankees captain knows his legacy at Monument Park is incomplete without a World Series championship, a void that could depend on the Yankees pursuing free agent Juan Soto.
Following the Yankees’ crushing World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5, Aaron Judge praised Soto’s relentless dedication and impact throughout the season. The sombre atmosphere at the club was compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Soto’s impending free agency, as the star outfielder drew interest from around the league.
“I am proud of the year Juan has had. “It was fun coming to work with him every day,” he said.
Yankees executives, including Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman, have reportedly begun exploratory talks with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. Similar meetings have been held with other suitors, including the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers, and apparently next on the agenda are the Phillies.
The age difference between the two hitters underscores what’s at stake: Aaron Judge turns 33 in April, while Soto, just 26, partnered with him for a historic 2024 campaign. The duo became the third pair of Yankees teammates who each hit 40 or more home runs in a season, joining legendary tandems Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle (1961) and Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, who did it three times.
Although Aaron Judge is the favorite to win the American League MVP award, Soto has become the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offseason ambitions, which could set the trajectory of the team’s future.
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