The New York Yankees’ star Aaron Judge has been named Sports Illustrated’s MLB Player of the Year, adding another prestigious accolade to his already storied career. In a season filled with jaw-dropping performances and record-breaking feats, Aaron Judge’s dominance at the plate and leadership on the field earned him this honor, solidifying his place among baseball’s all-time greats.

While much of the Yankees’ offseason buzz centered around the potential re-signing of young phenom Juan Soto, Aaron Judge quietly put together one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history. His unparalleled performance in 2024 captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, ultimately earning him the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award before being recognized by Sports Illustrated.

According to senior writer Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated:

“Measuring New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge against his peers for their 2024 performances is an exercise that ends quickly in his favor. It is another way of appreciating the massive historic nature of his season, considering that in the same season Shohei Ohtani and Bobby Witt Jr. chiseled their own initials into the marble halls of history. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers DH, became the first 50–50 player. Witt, the Kansas City Royals shortstop, became the first player at his position to go 30–30 and win a batting title. But it’s not that close. Ohtani did not play defense and trailed Judge in OPS by a whopping .123 points. Witt trailed Judge by .113 points in slugging and reached base 46 fewer times.”

“So great was Judge in 2024 that there are only two places to find a season quite like the one he had this year: Judge himself and baseball necrology. Names like Ruth, Hornsby and Mantle are the competition. Judge led the major leagues in (deep breath here) home runs (58), RBIs (144), WAR (10.8), on-base percentage (.458), slugging (.701), OPS (1.159), OPS+ (223), walks (133) and times on base (322). He separated himself even from Ohtani and Witt to be SI’s choice as MLB Player of the Year. The better measurement of his season comes against all of baseball history.”
MLB

Aaron Judge’s 2024 is a season for the ages

Aaron Judge’s offensive stats were nothing short of legendary. He led Major League Baseball (MLB) in home runs with 58, runs batted in (RBIs) with 144, and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) at 1.159. His slugging percentage of .701 and Wins Above Replacement (WAR) value of 10.8 also topped the league charts.

Additionally, Aaron Judge’s .458 on-base percentage and 133 walks were both MLB highs, showcasing his ability to control the strike zone and consistently reach base. His exceptional performance placed him in rarefied company.

To truly appreciate Aaron Judge’s 2024 season requires stepping back into baseball’s ancestral halls. His achievements echo those of Babe Ruth, mirror legend Roger Hornsby’s century-old records, and parallel Mickey Mantle‘s golden era. Consider this: Only Ruth in 1921 had previously combined 58+ homers with league leads in both RBIs and walks. Aaron Judge’s OPS+ stands as the highest ever by a right-handed batter, surpassing Hornsby’s mark that stood for 100 years. When examining center fielders who slugged .700 while playing 100 games at the position, only Hack Wilson (1930) and Mickey Mantle (1956) share this rarefied air.

Perhaps most telling is Aaron Judge’s entry into an exclusive club with Babe Ruth – they remain the only clean-era players to notch three 50-homer seasons. His unanimous AL MVP selection merely confirmed what the statistics already showed: 2024 belonged to Aaron Judge.

Aaron Judge already held the Yankees’ single-season home run record with 62 long balls, set in 2022. With two AL MVP awards now in his trophy case, his legacy as a Yankees legend continues to grow.

Challenges in the postseason

Despite his historic regular season, Aaron Judge’s heroics couldn’t extend into the playoffs. The Yankees’ quest for their first World Series title since 2009 fell short. However, his contributions were pivotal in leading the team to its first World Series appearance in 15 years, a feat that will be remembered by Yankees fans for years to come.
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
As the 2025 season approaches, Aaron Judge will aim to build on his remarkable success and help the Yankees capture championship glory. With his unparalleled power, leadership, and determination, he remains a cornerstone of the franchise and a fan favorite.

Aaron Judge’s 2024 campaign was nothing less than extraordinary. By earning Sports Illustrated’s MLB Player of the Year honor, he has further cemented his legacy in baseball history, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the most formidable players of his generation.

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