Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, two of major league baseball’s brightest stars, 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 Domination 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 career MVP award. Ohtani’s feat also placed him alongside Frank Robinson as one of the only players to win the MVP in both leagues.
Of note, Ohtani is the first full-time designated hitter to achieve this honor. His dominance on the field was reflected in the voting, as he received all 30 first-place votes, amassing 420 points. Despite strong competition from the Mets’ Francisco Lindor and the Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte, Ohtani’s historic campaign remained unrivaled.
However, Ohtani’s year hasn’t been without drama. A shocking revelation emerged during the season: his interpreter and confidante, Ippei Mizuhara, had defrauded him of nearly $17 million to fuel a gambling addiction. Despite the betrayal, Ohtani’s on-court focus did not never wavered, once again proving his resilience and commitment to greatness.
Judge’s Reign in the American League
In the American League, Aaron Judge secured his second MVP title in three years, becoming a unanimous choice for the first time in his career. The Yankees captain posted incredible numbers, with a .322 batting average, 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, while maintaining a mind-blowing OPS of 1.159.
Judge’s leadership played a crucial 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 undeniable MVP. He beat Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees teammate Juan Soto in the voting.
A New Golden Era for MLB
Ohtani and Judge’s MVP victories signal a revival in baseball, defined by record-breaking statistics and unforgettable performances. Since the BBWAA’s MVP awards were established in 1931, unanimous selections have been rare, making this dual honor all the more meaningful.
In a year where extraordinary 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’t help but admire the greatness these icons continue to bring to America’s pastime.
