Aaron Judge is Not More Than Me,” Says Shohei Ohtani in Bold Statement Amidst Ongoing MVP Debate
In a rare display of public confidence, Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way phenom, has spoken out about the ongoing comparisons between him and New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. During a press conference following his latest game, Ohtani made a striking statement, saying, “Aaron Judge is not more than me,” igniting fresh discussions in the already heated MVP race. The comment comes as both players are once again vying for baseball’s highest individual honor, with many fans and analysts split over which of the two generational talents deserves the 2024 American League MVP.
Ohtani, who has captured the baseball world’s attention with his ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level, has never been one to seek out the spotlight for anything other than his performance on the field. His comment, though unexpected, reflects the frustration some athletes feel when consistently compared to their peers, especially in a season where both players have reached career-defining moments.
The rivalry between Ohtani and Judge isn’t new, and it reached its pinnacle during the 2022 MVP race when Judge’s record-breaking 62 home runs ultimately edged out Ohtani’s extraordinary two-way play. While Ohtani’s combination of pitching and hitting was previously unheard of in the modern game, Judge’s ability to consistently power through pitchers made him equally remarkable.
The Context Behind Ohtani’s Comment
Ohtani’s comment wasn’t made out of disrespect but rather an assertion of his unique position in Major League Baseball. He is, after all, a singular talent — the only player in the MLB today capable of excelling on both sides of the ball. In the same breath, Aaron Judge is a towering force of power and leadership for the Yankees, and his 2022 MVP win cemented him as one of the game’s greatest power hitters.
The MVP debate has split the baseball community. Those who back Judge argue that his slugging ability, game-changing home runs, and leadership qualities make him irreplaceable, especially for a Yankees franchise that relies heavily on his presence. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s supporters believe his dual-threat dominance — from the mound and the batter’s box — makes him a more valuable asset overall, essentially giving the Angels two players in one.
Ohtani’s Unprecedented 2024 Season
Despite being sidelined for pitching duties in the latter half of 2024 due to elbow issues, Ohtani’s performance at the plate has been nothing short of remarkable. With a batting average close to .300, over 45 home runs, and more than 100 RBIs, he remains one of the most feared hitters in the game. Before his injury, Ohtani also dominated as a pitcher, posting a 3.14 ERA and notching over 180 strikeouts. This kind of two-way impact had once been the stuff of baseball legends like Babe Ruth, but Ohtani is proving it’s possible in the modern era.
In contrast, Judge, who returned from an injury earlier this season, has been steady but hasn’t reached the same heights as his historic 2022 campaign. With 40 home runs and a solid defensive performance, he has certainly made his presence felt, but the Yankees’ disappointing overall season may hinder his MVP candidacy.
The Value of Each Player
What Ohtani’s comment highlights is a broader question of how to evaluate value in baseball. While Judge is a tremendous force and a game-changer in his own right, Ohtani’s two-way brilliance provides a rare versatility. Baseball analysts and historians may argue that there’s no direct comparison because Ohtani brings so much more to the table. However, Judge’s ability to come through in clutch moments and lead the Yankees to victories makes him indispensable in his own way.
In making his bold statement, Ohtani wasn’t belittling Judge but rather pointing out his own unparalleled contributions to the game. “Aaron Judge is not more than me” may have been a way for Ohtani to remind the world of what he does that no one else can.
Conclusion
As the 2024 season draws to a close and MVP voting begins, Ohtani’s statement will undoubtedly fuel more debates. Both players are phenomenal athletes, but their value comes in different forms. Whether Ohtani’s two-way prowess or Judge’s power-hitting will sway voters remains to be seen. One thing is clear, though: Shohei Ohtani is confident in his place among baseball’s elite, and he’s ready to claim the title of the league’s most valuable player once again
