"I don't think it got talked about enough" - Aaron Judge claims Shohei Ohtani deserved even more recognition for his record-breaking season
Shohei Ohtani continues to prove why he is one of the most unique and dynamic players in MLB history. Although elbow surgery late last year has kept him off the mound this season, the Japanese superstar has been a force at the dish for the Los Angeles Dodgers all year long.
It's not just fans and experts who consider Shohei Ohtani arguably the best player in baseball but also New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge. Despite having a legitimate case for being named as the top player in baseball, Judge believes the crown should go to Ohtani:
"He hits for average, hits for power, his speed. Doing what he did this year with the 50 stolen bases, it got talked about a lot but I don't think it got talked about enough."
There is no denying Judge's point given the historic campaign that Ohtani put together in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shohei became the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season, finishing the year with 54 and 59, respectively.
Judge has always remained humble throughout his MLB career, despite being arguably the greatest power-hitter of his generation. While Ohtani and Judge continue to be linked in the conversation for the best player in the world, the generational superstars will now battle one another for their first World Series title.
After strong postseasons, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off for the first time in the World Series since 1981. Although no one would likely admit it, a World Series showdown between Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani is a marketing dream for the league.
Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are the favorites to win the MVP Award in their respective leagues
For the first time in either players' careers, both Judge and Ohtani have the opportunity to win the NL and AL MVP Awards at the same time. Prior to Ohtani's high-profile move to the Los Angeles Dodgers, both he and the New York Yankees captain battled for the American League MVP crown.
In each of the past three seasons in the American League, either Judge or Ohtani has walked away with accolade. Now, both players are considered the favorite to bring home the hardware in their respective leagues. Perhaps no player understands Ohtani's talent more than Judge given their competition for the AL MVP over the last few seasons.