Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have become iconic figures in Major League Baseball, each boasting a remarkable resume highlighted by five combined MVP awards, with both players expected to contend for another this season. The question of whether they deserve entry into Cooperstown on their initial Hall of Fame ballot has drawn attention, and Yankees great CC Sabathia recently shared his strong opinion on the matter.
Sabathia Confident in Ohtani and Judge’s Immediate Hall of Fame Candidacy
Speaking at the Fanatics Fest, Sabathia expressed his belief that both Judge and Ohtani clearly merit first-ballot induction. Reflecting on Judge’s career, he noted the nearly decade-long consistency and impact the outfielder has had during regular seasons, comparing Judge’s status to 20th-century legends.
“Yeah, I mean, I think so,” Sabathia said.” I think if you look at Judgey now. I mean it’s almost been 10 years. I think if you look at his regular seasons, he’s probably one of the best regular season players of all time.”
—CC Sabathia, Yankees Legend
Sabathia also emphasized Ohtani’s extraordinary dual-threat abilities both pitching and hitting, describing his achievements as incredible and reinforcing that both should be viewed as first-ballot Hall of Famers without question.
“And just Shohei, whatever, you know what he’s been able to do on the mound and in the box is incredible. So yeah, I think both of these guys [are first Ballot Hall of Famers] for sure,” Sabathia added.
—CC Sabathia, Yankees Legend
Sabathia himself is set to join the Hall of Fame next month as a first-ballot inductee, becoming part of an elite group of players, including Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner, to be voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Reflection on the 2017 Season and the Impact of the Astros’ Cheating Scandal
CC Sabathia and Aaron Judge were teammates on the Yankees from 2016 through 2019, with their peak performance in 2017 when New York advanced to the American League Championship Series but ultimately lost to the Houston Astros. The Astros later won the World Series against the Dodgers, though the championship’s legitimacy was questioned following revelations of sign-stealing.
Sabathia openly discussed his complex feelings about the loss, explaining that his frustration was rooted less in the cheating scandal itself and more in the manner their season ended, especially considering Judge’s MVP-level play and the team’s momentum at the time.
“I was for a while,” Sabathia said [From 10:31]. “I’m not anymore. And that’s why I said after ’17 I was like, I was completely done. It wasn’t because of what happened, it was because of the way we lost. It kind of crushed me, you know? I mean, I was at the end of my career, Judge the MVP, like we went on a crazy run.”
—CC Sabathia, Yankees Legend
Others in baseball, like Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger—who played with the Dodgers during that period—have called for the Astros to be stripped of their title. Bellinger accused Astros star Jose Altuve of cheating his way to MVP honors, which some argue should have gone to Aaron Judge.
What This Means for the Future of Judge and Ohtani’s Hall of Fame Prospects
With Sabathia’s endorsement carrying significant weight, the conversation around Shohei Ohtani’s first ballot Hall of Fame worthiness has been fueled anew. Both Ohtani and Judge have crafted careers that break traditional molds, and their performances have resonated deeply throughout the league. As Sabathia prepares for his own induction, the spotlight on these two players highlights a generational shift in baseball greatness.
The Hall of Fame debate for Ohtani and Judge is not just a reflection of past achievements but also a look at how their continued contributions could shape baseball history moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as these players complete their careers, potentially cementing their spots among the all-time greats on their very first ballot.