Aaron Judge Secures Second AL MVP Award, Cementing His Legacy Among Yankees Legends
November 20, 2024In the 2024 season, Judge achieved a career-high batting average of .322, leading the majors with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest home run hitters of all time.
His performance included a WAR above 10 for the second time in three years, marking the highest single-season WAR for a Yankees player since 1957.
Despite the Yankees' loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, where Judge struggled at the plate, his regular season performance was pivotal in securing the AL East title and reaching the championship.
Alongside Soto, who recently turned 26, Judge contributed to a historic offensive season for the Yankees, with both players hitting over 40 home runs, a rare feat in franchise history.
Aaron Judge has been named the American League MVP for the second time in three seasons, receiving all 30 first-place votes, a remarkable achievement that underscores his dominance in the league.
He won the award over strong competitors, including his New York Yankees teammate Juan Soto and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who received all 30 second-place votes.
Judge's victory places him among the elite, making him the seventh New York Yankee to win multiple MVP awards, joining legends like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.
During the World Series, Judge went 4-for-18 and committed a critical error in Game 5, but his overall contributions throughout the season were what mattered for MVP voting.
Judge's home run rate stands at 51 home runs per 162 games, surpassing many all-time greats, including Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron, as he approaches his 33rd birthday.
While comparisons to past eras are complex due to the current surge in home runs, Judge's consistency in a less prolific environment makes his achievements particularly noteworthy.
Babe Ruth remains a primary competitor in the conversation about the greatest home run hitter, having hit 60 home runs in 1927, but Judge's performance continues to elevate his legacy.
The awards ceremony is set to take place soon, with expectations that Judge will be celebrated for his outstanding performance this season.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources
ESPN • Nov 21, 2024
Is Aaron Judge the best pure home run hitter of all time? - ESPNESPN • Nov 21, 2024
Yankees' Aaron Judge wins second AL MVP in unanimous vote - ESPNFOX Sports • Nov 21, 2024
Yankees' Aaron Judge unanimously wins AL MVPNorthJersey.com • Nov 20, 2024
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