Shohei Ohtani vs Aaron Judge: The MVP Debate That’s Splitting Baseball
Baseball debates have been around longer than ballpark peanuts, but some arguments still divide even the most loyal dugouts. Power vs. versatility. Consistency vs. innovation. And no modern MLB debate is louder than the one between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge—two superstars rewriting what it means to be dominant. As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare to clash this weekend, the spotlight turns toward a rivalry that defines a generation.
During a recent appearance on SportsCenter, MLB analyst Brian Hayes made his pick in this heated battle. Without hesitation, he chose Ohtani, saying, “Shohei Ohtani, come on down to Team Hayes… I am Shohei Ohtani all day.” Hayes added there’s no wrong choice, but his argument favors the player who brings value on both sides of the ball.
Shohei Ohtani is baseball’s modern marvel. In 2023, he hit .304 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a league-best 1.066 OPS. And while he’s not pitching this season, Ohtani’s offensive firepower remains elite. His previous pitching stats—like a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 2022—prove he’s a force as both a hitter and a pitcher. He isn’t just an All-Star caliber player; he’s two of them in one.
Even without stepping on the mound this season, Ohtani continues to shine. In 2025, he’s already racked up 20 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and is batting .292 with an OPS over 1.042. His all-around impact—slugging, base running, clutch hitting—sets him apart. In just 36 games, he became the first player since 2005 to record at least 10 home runs and 10 steals.
Ben Verlander, another MLB insider, highlighted one of Ohtani’s recent game-winning moments: a clutch three-run homer in the ninth inning that turned the tide for his team. “Sho comes up with just a massive clutch game-winning three-run homer,” Verlander said. These aren’t just stats; they’re season-defining plays.
Aaron Judge, meanwhile, isn’t far behind in the power game. With 18 home runs, he continues to be a long-ball machine. His ability to crush baseballs and lead a lineup is undisputed. But while Judge dominates with brute force, Ohtani does it with versatility—and that’s where the argument heats up.
Judge’s supporters point to his raw power and leadership in New York’s offense. But Ohtani’s defenders emphasize that he isn’t just producing numbers—he’s changing what’s possible in the sport. He fills two roster spots, redefines strategy, and constantly creates moments that shift momentum.
So, who’s the real MVP?
If the MVP title is about redefining excellence and pushing the boundaries of what one player can do, Shohei Ohtani’s case is hard to beat. While Judge continues to be one of baseball’s most powerful hitters, Ohtani is crafting a season that feels otherworldly. The numbers back it. The highlights confirm it. And more importantly, his very presence on the field changes the game.
The debate will rage on, but for now, Shohei Ohtani is baseball’s ultimate spectacle—and he’s not just playing the game. He’s rewriting it.