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 Unmatched 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 as the first player ever to crush 54 home runs and steal 59 bases in a single season, earning him his third career MVP award. Ohtani’s achievement 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 secure this honor. His dominance on the field was reflected in the voting, as he received all 30 first-place votes, amassing 420 points. Despite stiff competition from Francisco Lindor of the Mets and Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, Ohtani’s historic campaign stood unrivaled.
However, Ohtani’s year wasn’t without its drama. A shocking revelation emerged during the season: his interpreter and confidant, Ippei Mizuhara, had defrauded him of nearly $17 million to fuel a gambling addiction. Despite the betrayal, Ohtani’s focus on the field never wavered, further proving 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, becoming a unanimous choice for the first time in his career. The Yankees’ captain showcased incredible numbers, with a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, and 144 RBIs, all while maintaining a jaw-dropping 1.159 OPS.
Judge’s leadership played a pivotal role in guiding the Yankees to the World Series, though they ultimately fell to Ohtani’s Dodgers. Even in defeat, Judge’s consistency and heart made him an undeniable MVP. He edged out Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees teammate Juan Soto in the voting.
A New Golden Era for MLB
Ohtani and Judge’s MVP wins signal a renaissance in baseball, defined by record-breaking stats and unforgettable performances. Since the inception of the BBWAA’s MVP awards in 1931, unanimous selections have been a rarity, making this dual honor all the more significant.
In a year where extraordinary talent met unyielding 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.