The 2024 season had impressive offensive milestones. Some of these feats may never be duplicated in the history of baseball. No one embodies greatness at the plate more than the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, and as a result, both were unanimous choices for the MVP awards of their respective leagues. Both had historic offensive seasons, each falling just short of Triple Crown honors.
Prior to 2024, no MLB player had ever had a season with:
50+ HR
90+ XBH
World Series appearance
unanimous MVP awardAaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani both did it this year. pic.twitter.com/fd3jzoCVQp
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) November 22, 2024
Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani Win League MVPs Unanimously
The Second Time for 99
Aaron Judge is the unanimous choice for American League Most Valuable Player, which was arguably his best in an already illustrious career. He had a major league-high 58 home runs. Judge also led the league in runs batted in, walks, slugging percentage, go-ahead RBI, and game-winning RBI. He also led the American League in extra-base hits and total bases.
Here Comes the Judge
The now two-time MVP did not just have a great season. He had one of the greatest seasons by a right-handed hitter ever. Judge has placed himself among Yankee greats Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and Roger Maris. He joins Mickey Mantle (1956) as the only Yankees to be unanimous MVPs.
A (Offensive) Season for the Ages
Shohei Ohtani is the only player in major league history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. His 54 home runs and 13o runs batted in were also first in the National League. He finished second in batting average, narrowly missing the Triple Crown. Ohtani is also the second player in baseball history to win the MVP Awards in both leagues, joining Frank Robinson (1961 Reds, 1966, Orioles).
He is the first Dodger to be a unanimous MVP in franchise history and the seventh Dodger to win honors since they moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Their most recent winner had been Cody Bellinger in 2019.
The Baseball Unicorn
Along with his unique 50-50 season, Ohtani is the first designated hitter to win the award and the first player to win unanimously in back-to-back seasons. He also won for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2023. He also joins 10 other players who have won three times.
The only question left for Judge and Ohtani is when their statues will be placed in Cooperstown.
Photo Credit: © Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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