"Aaron Judge doesn’t deserve it" - Fans mock Yankees captain for postseason debacle following AL MVP finalist announcement
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge joined his former teammate Juan Soto and AL batting champion Bobby Witt Jr. in the final list announced for the AL MVP by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
The Yankees captain had another great season that saw him hit 58 home runs in the regular season, his third 50+ home run season, becoming only the fifth player in MLB history to do so.
However, Judge struggled big time the entire postseason, finishing with a.184 batting average with nine hits, three home runs, nine RBIs and eight runs scored in 14 games. His underwhelming output was one of the reasons why the Yankees 15-year World Series drought extended.
Following the AL MVP finalist announcement, fans took to social media to troll Aaron Judge for his subpar postseason performance.
"I’m fine if they give to one of the 3 that didn’t drop a can of corn in the World Series," one fan said.
"Judge doesn’t deserve it," another fan commented.
"Good thing it's a regular season award or Judge would get laughed out of the running," another fan added.
Some fans sang in unison for Judge to win it by a mile over Juan Soto and Bobby Witt Jr.
"Judge by a landslide," one fan wrote.
"Let this be Aaron Judge! Bobby Witt Jr. is a better player too but he might receive a few first place votes but all second place votes. Judge may take all first place votes as he hit the most home runs in the AL and MLB this season," another fan wrote.
"Bobby had a great season. However, Judge had the best offensive season by a right handed hitter all-time. A top 10 all-time," another fan posted.
Aaron Judge vs. Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Juan Soto: Who was better?
While both Bobby Witt Jr. and Juan Soto had career-high seasons, Judge's season was easily one of the best the major league has seen in a while. He was easily the most dominating and fearsome hitter in the AL and many believe it should be a unanimous decision for voters to crown the Yankees captain as AL MVP.
Judge batted .322 with 180 hits, 58 home runs, 144 RBIs and 122 runs scored in 158 games. On the other hand, Witt Jr. led the AL with a .332 batting average along with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and 125 runs scored in 161 games. Meanwhile, Soto, who is touted to earn a big paycheck in free agency, hit .288 with 166 hits, 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 128 runs scored in 157 games.
While the Kansas City Royals' infielder had a great season, Judge leads the odds to win the AL MVP, which would be the second of his career after winning it in 2022.
Who do you think should win the AL MVP crown this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.