Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani dominated the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season as standout players in the American and National Leagues, respectively. Both athletes captured unanimous MVP awards and remain top contenders for the honor in 2025, prompting discussions around who truly deserves the title of baseball’s best this season.
Debate Emerges Over Who Truly Leads Baseball in 2024
Shohei Ohtani recently received widespread acclaim from sportscaster Colin Cowherd, who elevated him to the same iconic status as Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, and Tiger Woods. Cowherd placed these athletes on his so-called “Mount Just-More,” emphasizing their clear superiority over other top performers.
However, fellow commentator Nick Wright offered a contrasting view during an episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd. Wright challenged Ohtani’s standing as the best player, particularly due to Ohtani’s limited pitching this year.
“He (Shohei Ohtani) hasn’t pitched in a couple of years,” Wright said (from 1:17). “Until we see him return to be a regular dominant pitcher, hasn’t his place, forget a top Mount Just-more in history, right now at this moment, he’s not the best player in baseball. Aaron Judge is, right? Because Judge has been demonstrably a better hitter this year.”
—Nick Wright, Sportscaster
Wright acknowledged Aaron Judge’s postseason struggles but argued that Ohtani’s status as the greatest depends on his ability to perform consistently as both a pitcher and hitter at an elite level.
“I need him to start pitching again,” Wright added. “I know he threw the inning last night, but before he gets elevated there or, … I know you already coined ‘better than Babe,’ which was great, but this year, I don’t know that he’s been better than Betts because he’s just playing the one position. So is that not fair?”
—Nick Wright, Sportscaster
Wright also criticized Cowherd’s inclusion of Michael Phelps on Mount Just-More, pointing out the difference in Olympic competition structure. He explained that athletes like Usain Bolt and Simone Biles compete in events with limited medal opportunities, whereas swimmers such as Phelps have multiple chances to win medals in various strokes and distances.
Criteria Behind Colin Cowherd’s “Mount Just-More” Selections
Colin Cowherd did not base his Mount Just-More list solely on advanced performance metrics but instead emphasized career achievements and records. For Michael Phelps, Cowherd highlighted his unmatched collection of 10 more Olympic medals and 14 more gold medals than any other swimmer.
Usain Bolt earned his place by winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals in both the 100m and 200m sprints across the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Games. Serena Williams was acknowledged for holding the record for 23 Grand Slam singles titles during the Open Era.
Wayne Gretzky’s inclusion stemmed from his eight NHL MVP awards and 55 NHL records, while Tiger Woods was recognized for his record-high career earnings in golf despite having a relatively low scoring average.
Regarding Shohei Ohtani, Cowherd cited his rare triple threat as a powerful hitter, dominant pitcher, and skilled base stealer, which collectively set him apart as a unique talent in baseball.
The Impact of Aaron Judge Outperforming Shohei Ohtani in 2024 Season
The ongoing debate over Aaron Judge outperforming Shohei Ohtani in the 2024 season highlights the complex criteria used to evaluate baseball excellence. While Ohtani’s dual-role capabilities captivate fans and analysts alike, Judge’s consistent offensive production places him firmly in the conversation as the league’s top player this year.
The discussion also underscores a broader challenge in professional baseball—how to weigh all-around versatility against specialized dominance in determining the sport’s most valuable player. As the 2025 season approaches, renewed efforts from both stars may further shift perceptions and influence MVP considerations among players, broadcasters, and fans.