The intense Bobby Witt Jr. 2024 AL MVP race captivated baseball fans throughout the 2024 MLB season, as Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge battled for the league’s top individual honor. Although Witt Jr. delivered a standout performance for the Kansas City Royals, it was Judge of the New York Yankees who ultimately secured the American League Most Valuable Player award, while Witt Jr. finished second.
Memorable Duel Shapes the 2024 Season
Bobby Witt Jr. amassed impressive numbers during the season, recording 636 at-bats and posting a .332 batting average. His efforts resulted in 125 runs scored and 32 home runs, making the year a career-best for Witt Jr. Despite falling just short of the MVP title, his contributions were central to the Royals’ campaign and placed him among the league’s elite. The MVP race quickly became a headline event, with fans following every development as the season progressed.
Witt Jr. Shares His Perspective on Competing with Judge
Appearing on Bleacher Report’s On Base on Wednesday, Witt Jr. reflected on what it felt like to compete against Judge, widely acknowledged as one of baseball’s premier hitters. Witt Jr. acknowledged the excitement of witnessing Judge’s extraordinary talent and the motivation it provided for his own growth.
“At that point, you just kind of tip your cap,”
Witt Jr. said (13:39 onwards). “It’s like, man, this is incredible. You’re watching history, too, over there. Just what he’s done and what he’s doing each and every year, this year, last year, years been past, so it’s fun to watch. —Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals player
“It always motivates you because you’re like, ‘all right, what can you do to try to get to that level? What do you need to do?’ I feel like with him, it’s just how consistent he is each and every day.”
—Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals player
Mutual Respect Between Two Baseball Stars
The spirited MVP competition was marked by mutual admiration between the two players. In September 2024, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Judge praised Bobby Witt Jr., recognizing his comprehensive skill set.
“He’s the complete player. Can hit, run, field, do everything. He was already a great player last year, but he continues to improve every single game I watch him.”
—Aaron Judge, New York Yankees hitter (as per Jeff Passan)
Bobby Witt Jr. also spoke highly of Judge’s consistent excellence, reportedly referring to him as the “King of New York” according to Passan. Their shared respect added an extra layer of intrigue to the already compelling MVP showdown.
What the 2024 MVP Race Means Going Forward
The 2024 American League MVP race, featuring figures like Bobby Witt Jr., Aaron Judge, and analysts such as Jeff Passan, showcased the very best of Major League Baseball’s talent and sportsmanship. For Witt Jr., the experience of competing closely with Judge not only highlighted his growth as a player but also set the stage for future seasons where he could further cement his standing among the game’s greats. As both stars continue to build their legacies, fans and experts alike are eager to witness how these on-field rivalries and friendships will shape the game for years to come.