Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, two of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars, have etched their names most deeply into sports 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 Incomparable Dominance in the National League
Shohei Ohtani’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers was legendary. The Japanese superstar made history as the first player to hit 54 home runs and steal 59 bases in a single season, earning his third career MVP award. Ohtani’s finish also placed him alongside Frank Robinson as one of the few players to win MVP in both leagues.
It is important to note that Ohtani is the first full-time designated hitter to earn this honor. His dominance on the field was reflected in the voting, as he received all 30 first-place votes, accumulating 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 was not without drama. During the season, a shocking revelation emerged: his portrayer and confidant, Ippei Mizuhara, had scammed him out of nearly $17 million to feed 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 captured his second MVP title in three years, becoming a unanimous pick 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, all while maintaining an astonishing OPS of 1.159.
Judge’s leadership played a critical role in leading the Yankees to the World Series, although they were ultimately defeated by Ohtani’s Dodgers. Even in defeat, Judge’s consistency and heart made him an unquestionable MVP. He passed Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees teammate Juan Soto in the voting.
A New Golden Era for MLB
The MVP wins of Ohtani and Judge signal a renaissance in baseball, characterized by record-breaking statistics and unforgettable performances. Since the inception of the BBWAA’s MVP awards in 1931, unanimous selections have been a rarity, making this double honor even more significant.
In a year where extraordinary talent met indomitable 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 pastime.
