Despite a slow start, New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge has had a remarkable season in 2024.
So much so that he is the clear favorite to win the second American League MVP Award of his remarkable career.
MLB.com released their most recent MVP poll on Tuesday morning, and it is predictable that Judge leads the race by a large majority.
Judge has gotten 31 votes, well exceeding the second-place vote getter, Kansas City Royals standout shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who now has six.
Although he has been in a bit of a rut recently and hasn’t homered in 13 games, his longest homer gap since August of 2019, Judge has still had an outstanding season, making him a lock for the award.
In 142 games, the 32-year-old has slashed.322/.456/.694 with 1.150 OPS, 51 home runs, and 126 RBIs. Judge leads baseball with a 9.6 bWAR and is first in home runs, RBI, OPS, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and several other significant statistical categories.
After Witt, fellow Yankees great outfielder Juan Soto ranked third on this list. Batting in front of Judge at the top of the Bronx Bombers’ lineup, Soto has had a strong debut season in pinstripes. In 140 games, the 25-year-old has slashed.292/.423/.582 with a 1.005 OPS, 38 home runs (a career high), and 98 RBIs.
This season, Judge and Soto have been the Yankees’ best offensive duo. The organization is attempting to keep Soto, who is slated to enter the free agent market this offseason.
With just 18 games left in the regular season, Judge is the obvious favorite to win the AL MVP Award in 2024.
