The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season concluded with two standout players earning the league’s most prestigious individual awards: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Both players delivered historic performances, making them unanimous selections for the National League (NL) and American League (AL) MVP awards, respectively.
Shohei Ohtani: National League MVP
Shohei Ohtani continued to redefine baseball history in 2024. After transitioning to the NL with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani claimed his third career MVP award, becoming the first full-time designated hitter (DH) in MLB history to win the honour.
Despite being limited to DH duties due to injury, Ohtani shattered expectations with a record-breaking offensive season:
- Home Runs: Led the NL with 54 homers.
- RBIs: Topped the league with 130 runs batted in.
- 50/50 Club: Became the first player ever to hit at least 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
- On-Base and Slugging: Dominated with a .390 on-base percentage and a .646 slugging percentage.
Ohtani’s historic campaign was capped off by helping the Dodgers secure a World Series title. His unanimous MVP selection solidified his reputation as one of baseball’s greatest talents, even without contributing as a pitcher this season. He is expected to return to two-way play in 2025.
Aaron Judge: American League MVP
Aaron Judge, captain of the New York Yankees, earned his second career AL MVP award after previously winning in 2022. Judge’s performance in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable:
- Batting Average: Posted a stellar .322 batting average.
- Power Numbers: Led the AL with a .701 slugging percentage while hitting 40+ home runs.
- Leadership: Anchored the Yankees’ offense alongside teammate Juan Soto.
Judge’s consistency and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments made him an easy choice for voters. His unanimous selection marked the fourth consecutive year that either Judge or Shohei Ohtani has won an MVP award.
Why Ohtani Stands Out as MLB’s Overall MVP
While both players were unanimous winners in their respective leagues, Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented achievements give him an edge as MLB’s overall Most Valuable Player for 2024.
His ability to dominate offensively while breaking barriers for DH-only players sets him apart. Additionally, his contributions to the Dodgers’ World Series victory further elevate his status.
Ohtani’s impact transcends traditional metrics, as he continues to revolutionize how value is measured in baseball. His historic combination of power, speed, and versatility cements his place as one of the most valuable players in MLB history.
The 2024 MLB season will be remembered for its extraordinary individual performances by Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
While both players have left indelible marks on their leagues, Ohtani’s groundbreaking achievements make him the standout candidate for overall MLB MVP honours.
As baseball evolves, these two superstars exemplify excellence and continue to inspire fans worldwide.