Judge and Ohtani are heavy favorites, but not because the 2024 season produced a weak field. In any other year, we’d probably have a tight race in both leagues.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, for example, had an incredible season with 33 home runs, 91 RBIs, a .344 on-base percentage and a .273 batting average while appearing in 152 games. Just as importantly, the soon-to-be 31-year-old provided leadership for a Mets team that reached the NLCS for the first time since 2015.
“This guy is special, man,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said in August, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “Everything is so detail oriented. The way he prepares is unbelievable. And he’s to a place now where New York is home for him.”
If the MVP award is about being “most valuable,” few were more deserving this year than Lindon.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna batted .302 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs while earning his third All-Star appearance. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies made his eighth All-Star appearance while delivering 30 home runs and 87 RBIs in 145 games.
Ketel Marte delivered 36 home runs and 95 RBIs for the Arizona Diamondbacks while earning his second All-Star nod.
Over in the American League, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals has made a very compelling case for MVP. The 24-year-old racked up an MLB-best 211 hits with 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, 31 stolen bases and an incredible .332 batting average. With an AL batting title and Gold Glove Award on his 2024 resume, Witt had one of the best seasons in recent memory.
If not for Judge’s remarkable season, Witt would be a clear MVP front-runner. The Yankees’ slugger was the only player with a higher offensive wins above replacement (WAR) value than Witt this season, according to ESPN.
Judge finished with an offensive WAR of 11.7, while Witt and Ohtani each finished at 9.2.
Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles tallied 177 hits, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs and a .364 on-base percentage, while Yankees outfielder Juan Soto finished with a 166/41/109/.419 stat line.
Cleveland Guardians infielder José Ramírez recorded 173 hits, 39 home runs and 118 RBIs while helping Cleveland reach its first ALCS since 2016.
Overall, it’s an impressive list of candidates, though Judge and Ohtani stand above the rest.
