Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge’s rivalry culminates in a historic World Series meeting that captures the attention of baseball fans everywhere. This week in Los Angeles, Aaron Judge took a moment to reflect on what he admires about his fellow star, Ohtani, whose extraordinary talent has defined the game in recent years. When asked to comment on Ohtani’s skills beyond the obvious accolades, Judge’s face lit up with appreciation.
“Other than the obvious?” Judge chuckled, before elaborating. “Everything seems obvious. He excels in hitting for both average and power. His speed is remarkable, especially with the 50 stolen bases this year. That achievement deserves more recognition. He is an incredible athlete, arguably the best player in the game, and a fantastic ambassador for baseball.”
Ohtani expressed his gratitude for Judge’s kind words a day before their anticipated showdown in the World Series. This year, the title of “best player” is under discussion, as Ohtani has been unable to pitch. Nevertheless, he made history by completing MLB’s first-ever 50/50 season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, leading in runs scored and total bases, and poised to become the first full-time designated hitter to win the MVP award.
Judge, who led all qualified players in home runs, RBIs, and several other offensive categories, finished just four home runs shy of the American League record he set two seasons ago. His impressive .701 slugging percentage and a career-high .322 batting average have not gone unnoticed by Ohtani.
“Although I’m not as tall as him, I can relate to the challenges of having a larger strike zone,” Ohtani remarked through his interpreter. “For him to maintain a high batting average, he must be exceptionally efficient. I admire how he manages to hit for both average and power.”
Despite Ohtani’s impressive achievements, Judge has made a compelling case for being the best player this season. The relationship between the two stars is built on mutual respect, with any rivalry being friendly and based on their competition for the same accolades.
Now that they play in different leagues, the narrative shifts. Both players aimed for a triple crown and are favorites for the MVP in their respective leagues, adding to the excitement of this World Series.
“We’ve had our battles during the regular season, especially when he was with the Angels,” Judge reflected. “It was back and forth, seeing him hit homers over my head. But now, being on the biggest stage during the biggest moments will be exciting to witness.”
The World Series also features other notable stars like Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, making it a historic event. If Freeman plays through his injury, it will be the first time five MVPs compete in a World Series, a feat that could have included Clayton Kershaw if not for his season-ending injury.
This matchup, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, marks the first World Series between these two iconic franchises in 43 years. The stakes are high, and the spotlight shines brightly on Judge and Ohtani, the game’s premier talents.
“You’re talking about two of the classic franchises, two teams that have the sport’s biggest stars,” said Max Muncy. “On our team, you’ve got Shohei, Freddie, Mookie. On their team, you’ve got Aaron Judge, Giancarlo, Juan Soto. It’s incredible that the biggest stars are now on the biggest stage.”
“I’ve seen Aaron for seven years and have a deep respect for him,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated. “Playing against Shohei, I know how amazing he is. Their performances this season are great for baseball.”
Both Judge and Ohtani are eager to write new chapters in their careers, with Judge seeking his first World Series title and Ohtani aiming to make his playoff debut. Judge described Ohtani as a “great ambassador for the game,” emphasizing how his hustle sets a positive example for young fans watching the series.
