The long-standing debate over baseball’s top power hitter continues to rage as two of the sport’s biggest stars—Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge—prepare to face off this weekend. An MLB analyst recently gave his verdict, naming Ohtani the superior choice in the ongoing Aaron Judge MLB power hitter debate, highlighting Ohtani’s rare combination of pitching dominance and hitting prowess as the defining edge.
Why Shohei Ohtani Stands Out in the Power Hitter Discussion
As the New York Yankees prepare to square off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, all eyes are on Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani—the reigning symbols of baseball’s current era. During a recent SportsCenter appearance, analyst Brian Hayes declared his preference.
“Shohei Ohtani, come on down to Team Hayes. You are joining Team Hayes. I am Shohei Ohtani all day, and to be clear here, there’s not a wrong answer,”
Hayes said, emphasizing Ohtani’s extraordinary dual-threat impact.
Unlike any player in MLB history, Ohtani combines elite pitching and hitting in one talent-packed body. In 2023, he boasted a .304 batting average with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs, alongside a 1.066 OPS, leading the American League in slugging percentage and OPS+. Even when not pitching, his offensive capabilities alone are outstanding. When healthy on the mound, Ohtani is a frontline starter, posting a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 2022, effectively filling two roster spots simultaneously.
This dual impact is reflected in his Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which reached 9.0 in 2021 and climbed to 9.6 in 2022, figures that outpace nearly every other MLB player. The value he provides creates a different blueprint for team building—where owning Ohtani means commanding dominance both offensively and defensively, rather than relying on a single player for power or pitching.
Statistical Edge and Versatility Tip the Scales Toward Ohtani
While Aaron Judge’s home run prowess remains undeniable, Ohtani’s overall contributions redefine what a player can accomplish. The scoreboard and broader strategy lean strongly in Ohtani’s favor, making him more than just a slugger—he’s a game-changer from both sides of the ball. This complete skill set compels many strategists and analysts to view Ohtani as the preferred cornerstone for any team.
Despite Judge’s remarkable power-hitting feats, Ohtani’s unmatched ability to influence games in multiple ways provides a more sustainable impact. When considering roster construction, having one player replace the production of two is a formidable advantage that adds strategic depth. As the debate over power hitters carries on, Ohtani’s rare combination of skills makes his case compelling.
Ohtani’s 2025 Season Demonstrates Continued Mastery Beyond Power
As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, Ohtani is continuing to impress supporters who view him as the frontrunner in the MVP conversation. With 20 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and a .292 batting average so far this season, his performance has silenced early critics who questioned his ability at the plate. His OPS has surged past 1.042, underscoring his offensive proficiency.
Ben Verlander, an MLB insider, summarized Ohtani’s impact succinctly:
“The guy’s absolutely killing it at the plate.”
Verlander also pointed out the historical rarity of Ohtani’s combined power and speed, noting,
“That hadn’t been done since Brian Roberts in 2005,”
after Ohtani became the first MLB player in two decades to achieve 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases within a 36-game span.
Beyond his statistics, Ohtani consistently delivers key moments that shape his team’s success. Verlander highlighted one such instance:
“Sho comes up with just a massive clutch game-winning three-run homer,”
illustrating how Ohtani’s ability to perform under pressure further elevates his value above mere numbers.
Comparing Aaron Judge’s Power Versus Ohtani’s Multifaceted Impact
Aaron Judge’s powerful hitting remains a cornerstone for the Yankees, with 18 home runs this season making him a formidable force at the plate. However, Ohtani’s influence stretches beyond hitting alone, encompassing stolen bases, pitching, and clutch performances that directly affect game outcomes.
This contrast fuels much of the Aaron Judge MLB power hitter debate, centering on whether pure home run power or comprehensive game impact holds greater value. Though Judge’s accomplishments as a slugger cannot be understated, Ohtani’s multi-dimensional role positions him as a player who pushes the sport’s boundaries.
Ohtani’s pitching adds a rare layer that Judge cannot match, enabling his team to maximize roster flexibility and effectiveness. This duality in player types challenges traditional notions of MVP candidacy by introducing a more complex formula beyond home runs alone.
Why Many Consider Ohtani the Definitive MVP Candidate This Season
The ongoing discussion about who deserves MVP consideration in 2025 is increasingly weighted toward Shohei Ohtani. His ability to contribute both as a dominant pitcher and a power hitter offers a level of versatility unseen in decades. This rare skill set drives analysts like Brian Hayes and Ben Verlander to recognize Ohtani as the game’s most valuable player right now.
As the MLB season progresses, the ultimate significance of this debate lies not only in individual accolades but in redefining player roles and team-building strategies. Ohtani’s blueprint challenges teams to think differently about assembling talent, as acquiring a player who can both pitch at an elite level and hit with power transforms lineup construction and game planning.
While Aaron Judge remains a towering figure in baseball’s power-hitting landscape, Shohei Ohtani’s unique abilities push the sport toward new frontiers. This shift may influence future evaluations of player value and reshape expectations for MVP candidates in the years ahead.