Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, two of the brightest stars in Major League Baseball, have etched their names deeper into the sport’s history. On Thursday, both players were unanimously named the Most Valuable Players of 2024 by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), marking a rare and electrifying moment in MLB history.
Ohtani’s unparalleled dominance in the National League
Shohei Ohtani’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers was nothing short of legendary. The Japanese superstar made history by becoming the first player to hit 54 home runs and steal 59 bases in a single season, earning him his third MVP award. Ohtani’s performance also placed him alongside Frank Robinson as one of the only players to win MVP in both leagues.
Notably, Ohtani is the first full-time designated hitter to receive this award. His dominance on the field was reflected in the votes as he received all 30 first-place finishes and accumulated a total of 420 points. Despite stiff competition from the Mets’ Francisco Lindor and the Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte, Ohtani’s historic campaign remained unmatched.
However, Ohtani’s year wasn’t without drama. A shocking revelation came to light during the season: his interpreter and confidant, Ippei Mizuhara, had defrauded him of nearly $17 million to finance a gambling addiction. Despite the betrayal, Ohtani’s focus on the field never wavered, further demonstrating his resilience and commitment to greatness.
Judge’s reign over the American League
In the American League, Aaron Judge secured his second MVP title in three years and was voted unanimously for the first time in his career. The Yankees captain put up incredible numbers with a .322 batting average, 58 home runs and 144 RBIs while maintaining a staggering OPS of 1.159.
Judge’s leadership skills played a crucial role in leading the Yankees to the World Series, although they ultimately lost to Ohtani’s Dodgers. Even in defeat, Judge’s consistency and heart made him an undeniable MVP. He beat Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and his Yankees teammate Juan Soto in the voting.
A new golden era for the MLB
Ohtani and Judge’s MVP wins signal a renaissance in baseball marked by record-breaking statistics and unforgettable performances. Since the BBWAA’s inception of the MVP awards in 1931, unanimous votes have been a rarity, making this dual honor all the more significant.
In a year where exceptional talent met unwavering passion, Ohtani and Judge set a new standard for what it means to be the best. As baseball enters a new golden era, fans can only marvel at the greatness these icons continue to bring to America’s favorite sport.
