Judge & Ohtani Repeat as Hank Aaron Award Winners: Why 2023’s MLB Season Was a Historic Showdown

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Judge & Ohtani Repeat as Hank Aaron Award Winners: Why 2023’s MLB Season Was a Historic Showdown

Two titans. One award. Zero surprises.

When the MLB announced that Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani had both repeated as Hank Aaron Award winners for 2023, it wasn’t just another trophy added to their shelves—it was a full-stop on a season that rewrote the rulebook. For the first time in history, the same two players claimed the award in back-to-back years, turning what was once a "Player of the Year" honor into a dynasty declaration.

But here’s the thing: This wasn’t just about stats. It was about storytelling. Judge, the towering Yankees slugger who chased (and nearly broke) the American League home run record again. Ohtani, the two-way phenom who made Babe Ruth comparisons feel understated. Together, they didn’t just dominate—they redefined what dominance looks like in modern baseball.

So, why does this matter beyond the box scores? And what does it tell us about where the game is headed? Let’s break it down—because this award isn’t just about 2023. It’s about the future of baseball.

What Is the Hank Aaron Award, and Why Is It a Big Deal?

The "True MVP" Before the MVP

The Hank Aaron Award isn’t just another piece of hardware—it’s the only major award voted on by fans and a panel of MLB legends, including Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones. Created in 1999 to honor the best offensive player in each league, it’s often called the "true hitter’s MVP" because it focuses purely on impact at the plate—no defensive metrics, no pitcher wins, just raw hitting dominance.

Think of it like the Oscars’ "Best Actor" award, but for baseball’s most electrifying performers. And in 2023, the voters—fans and legends alike—spoke with a unanimous roar.

Why Repeating Is Rarer Than a Perfect Game

Since the award’s inception, only six players had won it multiple times before 2022. Now, Judge and Ohtani have joined that club—and they’re the first duo to repeat in the same year. To put that in perspective:

  • Barry Bonds (4 wins) did it in an era where the award was still finding its footing.
  • Miguel Cabrera (2 wins) was the last AL player to repeat… in 2012 and 2013.
  • No NL player had repeated since Albert Pujols in 2008–2009.

In other words, what Judge and Ohtani just did? Statistically, it’s harder than hitting for the cycle.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Judge and Ohtani Crushed 2023

Aaron Judge: The Home Run King Who Refuses to Abdicate

Let’s start with the obvious: 62 home runs in 2022. Then, instead of a "hangover season," Judge responded with:

  • 55 HRs in 2023 (leading MLB again).
  • .312 batting average (career-high).
  • 1.050 OPS (only Mike Trout and Barry Bonds have posted higher in the last 20 years).
  • 200+ walks over two seasons (pitchers still wouldn’t throw to him).

But here’s the wild part: Judge didn’t just hit bombs—he changed how teams pitch. Opposing managers started treating him like a modern-day Ted Williams, with shifts so extreme they bordered on comedic. And yet? He still won.

Fun fact: Judge’s 2022–2023 stretch is the first time a player has led MLB in homers in consecutive seasons since Mark McGwire (1998–1999)—and we all know how that era ended.

Shohei Ohtani: The Unicorn Who Keeps Getting Better

Ohtani’s 2023 was so absurd that comparing him to Ruth feels lazy. Here’s why:

  • As a hitter: 44 HRs, 95 RBI, .288/.370/.592 slash line (elite even for a full-time DH).
  • As a pitcher: 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts in 132 innings (with a fastball that touches 102 mph).
  • The kicker? He did this while missing a month due to injury and still finished top-5 in MVP voting.

Ohtani isn’t just a two-way player—he’s a two-way superstar. In 2023, he joined Babe Ruth (1918) as the only players ever to hit 40+ HRs and strike out 150+ batters in the same season. Oh, and he also:

  • Won the Home Run Derby (again).
  • Set the single-season record for most HRs by a Japanese-born player (breaking his own 2021 mark).
  • Became the first player since 1921 to qualify for the batting title and pitch 100+ innings.

If Judge is the villain of MLB (in the best way), Ohtani is the mythical hero—the guy who makes you question whether baseball’s rules even apply to him.

The Ripple Effect: How Judge & Ohtani Are Changing Baseball

The "Must-Watch" Factor

Ratings don’t lie: When Judge or Ohtani step into the batter’s box, viewership spikes. In 2023:

  • Yankees games featuring Judge averaged 20% higher ratings than non-Judge games.
  • Angels games with Ohtani pitching and hitting drew record streaming numbers in Japan and the U.S.
  • The 2023 All-Star Game (where both started) was the most-watched since 2010.

They’re not just players—they’re box-office draws. In an era where MLB is fighting for attention against the NFL and NBA, Judge and Ohtani are the league’s secret weapon.

The "No More Rules" Era

Judge and Ohtani are forcing MLB to adapt in real time:

  • Pitching changes: Teams now use five-man infields against Judge. Ohtani’s at-bats see more intentional walks than Barry Bonds in 2004.
  • Defensive shifts: The 2023 shift restrictions were partly a response to how teams defended Judge. (Spoiler: It didn’t work.)
  • Contract chaos: Judge’s $360M deal and Ohtani’s upcoming $500M+ free agency are reshaping payrolls league-wide.

They’re not just playing the game—they’re rewriting it.

The Globalization of Baseball

Ohtani’s impact extends far beyond Anaheim. In Japan, his games air at ungodly hours (think 3 AM), yet they still draw millions. MLB’s social media following in Asia has doubled since 2020, largely thanks to Ohtani and fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Meanwhile, Judge—New York’s homegrown hero—has become a cultural icon, appearing on SNL, hosting the ESPYs, and even getting name-dropped in Taylor Swift’s "Eras Tour" (okay, that last one might be a rumor… but it feels true).

Controversies and Criticisms: Not Everyone’s Cheering

The "Is It Fair?" Debate

Some fans and analysts argue that Judge and Ohtani’s dominance is bad for parity. How can smaller-market teams compete when two players are this good? Others counter that superstars drive interest, which helps the entire league.

Then there’s the "Ohtani Rule" debate: Should MLB change its rules to limit two-way players? (Spoiler: No. The league officially nixed that idea in 2023, calling Ohtani’s dual role "good for baseball.")

The Injury Question

Both players missed time in 2023:

  • Judge dealt with a toe injury that sidelined him for weeks.
  • Ohtani’s elbow issue raised concerns about his pitching future.

Critics wonder: Can their bodies handle this level of play long-term? But as Ohtani’s interpreter (and now-famous) Ippei Mizuhara once said: "He’s not human."

What’s Next? The 2024 Storylines to Watch

Ohtani’s Free Agency: The $500M Question

Ohtani hits free agency this offseason, and the rumors are wild:

  • Dodgers? They’ve been saving payroll for this moment.
  • Yankees? Imagine Judge and Ohtani in the same lineup.
  • Mystery team? The Giants, Cubs, and even the Mariners are lurking.

Wherever he lands, Ohtani’s next contract will shatter records—and possibly change how teams value two-way players forever.

Judge’s Chase for 700

With 226 career HRs entering 2024, Judge is on pace to join the 700 club by 2029. If he stays healthy, he could become the fastest player to 700 HRs since Bonds—and the first Yankee to do it since Alex Rodriguez.

The MVP Race: Can Anyone Stop Them?

In 2023, Ohtani finished 2nd in MVP voting (to Texas’ Marcus Semien), while Judge came in 4th. But let’s be real: If both stay healthy in 2024, the MVP award might as well be a two-horse race—again.

How to Watch the Judge vs. Ohtani Rivalry in 2024

Key Matchups to Circle

If you’re a fan, here are the must-watch games for 2024:

  • Yankees vs. Angels (April 15–17, 2024): First meeting of the year.
  • All-Star Game (July 2024): Will they both start? (Yes.)
  • Home Run Derby: Ohtani’s defending his title—will Judge challenge him?

Where to Stream

Don’t have cable? No problem. Here’s how to catch every at-bat:

  • MLB.TV: The gold standard for out-of-market games.
  • Apple TV+: Friday Night Baseball is free with a subscription.
  • ESPN/FOX: National games (including Yankees/Angels matchups).

Final Thought: Why This Matters Beyond Baseball

Judge and Ohtani repeating as Hank Aaron Award winners isn’t just a baseball story—it’s a cultural moment. They represent two sides of the same coin:

  • Judge is the old-school power, the Babe Ruth of the 21st century—a guy who hits moon shots and carries his team like a superhero.
  • Ohtani is the future, the player who defies positions, borders, and even the laws of physics.

Together, they’re not just the best hitters in baseball. They’re the reason people fall in love with the game—the kind of players who make you drop everything when they step up to the plate. And if 2023 was any indication? We’re just getting started.

Your Turn: Join the Conversation

So, who’s your pick for 2024? Will Ohtani’s free agency spark a bidding war? Can Judge finally stay healthy for 162 games? And—most importantly—who would you rather have on your team?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s debate. And if you’re new to the Judge vs. Ohtani saga, start here with their 2022 highlights—it’s a masterclass in greatness.

Don’t miss a swing: Follow our MLB coverage for updates on the 2024 season, or check out our guide to the biggest free-agent moves this offseason.

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Kebun Firdaus

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