As the 2024 MLB season approaches its final stretch, the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is becoming decidedly less competitive, with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani emerging as clear frontrunners.
With approximately 85% of the season completed, both players have distinguished themselves from their peers, showcasing extraordinary performances that have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Current Contenders in the American League
In the American League, Aaron Judge is solidifying his status as the overwhelming favorite for the MVP award. With a remarkable 51 home runs already this season (as of Aug. 29), he has not only shown his power hitting but has also become the fastest player to reach 300 career home runs. All eyes will be on him in September as he seeks to hit 63 home runs, which would break the American League record he set himself in 2022.
The New York Yankees, after overcoming a rough patch in June, have bounced back, and Judge's presence is a significant factor in their resurgence. While players like Bobby Witt Jr., Juan Soto, and Gunnar Henderson remain in the chase, they would need a series of exceptional performances and fortunate circumstances to close the gap between them and Judge, who continues to shine both offensively and defensively.
Current Contenders in the National League
The National League MVP race sees Shohei Ohtani standing out as the clear leader. With a batting average of .295, along with 42 home runs and 95 RBIs (as of Aug. 29), Ohtani's contributions as a pure hitter this season have helped lift the Dodgers to the best record in all of baseball.
In August, Ohtani made headlines by becoming the first player this season to join the 30/30 club with his impressive speed on the bases.
Despite the presence of challengers like Francisco Lindor and Elly De La Cruz, Ohtani's level of play remains unmatched, reinforcing his position as the odds-on favorite in the baseball game odds.
Their chances of overtaking him are slim, given the monumental tasks they would need to accomplish in the remaining games.
The Role of WAR in MVP Consideration
The Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metric continues to factor heavily in the MVP discussions, reflecting the extraordinary impact both Judge and Ohtani have on their teams.
While the WAR figures may hint at a tightly contested battle, the current performances of these two players indicate a significant gap between them and the rest of the field.
Judge's WAR sits at an impressive 9.5, while Ohtani closely follows at 6.3. This disparity not only showcases their dominance but also points to the uphill battle that their competitors face to alter the narrative of this MVP race.
Comparative Analysis of Past MVP Races
Analyzing previous MVP contests highlights just how exceptional the 2024 season's dynamics are. While historically, there have been narrow races, this season appears to be definitively leaning towards Judge and Ohtani.
The competitiveness of previous years fades in comparison to this year's standout performances that have made it clear who the true MVPs are.
As we draw closer to the end of the season, the spotlight remains firmly on both players, with their extraordinary achievements and contributions set to define the narrative of the MVP awards. And if these teams’ records are any indication, we could be seeing Judge and Ohtani square off against each other come late October.
