Barring an all-time shocking decision, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge will both earn another MVP award in November. Only one, however, will accept the award as a World Series champion. The World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers features five MVPs, but Judge and Ohtani have separated themselves from the pack with their brilliance over the last handful of years.
Ohtani earned AL MVP honors in 2021 and 2023, while Judge beat out the former Angels star's excellent 2022 season with an AL-record 62 home runs. Ohtani's move to the NL enabled both himself and Judge to win MVPs in the same year, and each player took advantage of the opportunity with dominant seasons at the plate. Who had the better year? Here's a look at how Ohtani's offensive numbers compare to Judge's in what figure to be a pair of MVP seasons.
SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule Shohei Ohtani vs. Aaron Judge stats 2024 Aaron Judge Stat Shohei Ohtani .322 AVG .
310 58 HR 54 144 RBI 130 1.159 OPS 1.036 180 Hits 197 10 SB 59 11.
1 fWAR 9.1 223 OPS+ 190 Ohtani produced the first 50/50 season in MLB history this year, finishing with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases after a torrent September. It still wasn't enough to rival Judge's overall production.
Judge had the advantage in home runs, batting average, RBI, OPS, OPS+ and WAR, leaving Ohtani with only hits and stolen bases. Because Ohtani didn't pitch this season and didn't play the field at all, Judge was able to finish the year.