### Aaron Judge Edges Out Shohei Ohtani for Baseball Digest Player of the Year Award

In a thrilling showdown for the Baseball Digest/Inside Edge major league player of the year award, Aaron Judge narrowly defeated Shohei Ohtani. Both baseball icons received first-place votes on half of the 24 ballots. However, the New York Yankees' outfielder pulled ahead with 12 second-place votes, while Ohtani, now a Los Angeles Dodgers slugger, had to settle for being placed third on two submissions. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. claimed the remaining two second-place votes, finishing in third place.

Aaron Judge continued his dominance in 2024, topping the major leagues with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and an outstanding 1.159 OPS. His remarkable performance also included a .322 batting average and 122 runs scored, playing a crucial role in leading the Yankees to an AL East title.

Shohei Ohtani, in his first year with the Dodgers following a record-breaking $700 million free agency deal, achieved historic feats of his own. Ohtani belted 54 homers, drove in 130 runs, and posted a 1.036 OPS. His extraordinary season also featured 59 stolen bases, making him the first player in big league history to achieve a 50-50 season. Additionally, he batted .310 and led the MLB with 134 runs scored.

On the pitching front, Detroit Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal was honored as the sport's top pitcher after capturing the pitching Triple Crown in the American League. Skubal posted an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. His impressive tally included 18 first-place votes. Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves' Chris Sale matched these feats in the National League, finishing with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler secured the remaining first-place vote.

Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase unanimously clinched the reliever of the year title, solidifying his status as the league’s top performer out of the bullpen.

Judge's victory marks his second consecutive win for the award, joining the ranks of Yankees legends Ron Guidry and Derek Jeter. On the other hand, Ohtani continues to chase another win after finishing second for three consecutive years following his 2021 triumph.

As the baseball world celebrates these outstanding athletes, their historic achievements continue to inspire fans and set new benchmarks for future players.