The race for the AL MVP intensifies, with current trends favoring Yankees captain Aaron Judge for a third consecutive year. However, it may not be straightforward for the seven-time All-Star this season, as he faces competition from four other top contenders in early projections.
According to the financial exchange site Kalshi, Judge has a 43% favorability rating, leading the pack, with Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. at 20%, Astros OF/DH Yordan Alvarez at 18%, Athletics rising star Nick Kurtz at 10%, and Yankees 1B Ben Rice at 9%.
Despite these standings, Judge ranks fifth in batting average (.248) and is tied for second in home runs (17), third in RBIs (38), and fifth in hits (53) among the AL MVP contenders. These stats have prompted fans to question why the five-time Silver Slugger winner is projected ahead of his rivals in this year’s race.
“How is Judge leading this? Yordan should be running away with it,” one fan commented.
“Why is Judge in first??? Serious question? Are people just gonna vote based on his name, not his performance? He’s not even the best hitter on his team right now,” another fan commented.
“Out of this group, Aaron Judge does not lead in a single offensive category,” yet another fan commented.
Some other fans made cases for who they thought should lead the current AL MVP race among the five contenders.
“I can’t believe Bobby Witt isn’t number 1 at this point,” one fan commented.
“Nick Kurtz is apparently so good they had to split him into two candidates,” another fan commented.
“Judge over Yordan makes no sense,” yet another fan commented.
Aaron Judge Has Been Struggling With a Bone Bruise Recently
While Judge was struggling at the plate, his absence in back-to-back games against the Cleveland Guardians at home raised concerns. He has been sidelined due to a persistent bone bruise. The Bronx Bombers lost both games, which cost them a key interdivisional series against Cleveland.
Judge underwent imaging after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder and upper rib area that affected his swings. The initial results showed a bone bruise in his right rib cage, although he primarily feels pain in his shoulder and only when swinging.
Before Tuesday, Judge had started every game this year, but this time, he had to visit team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad to diagnose his injury better. The Yankees are considering time on the injured list for their star slugger, but Judge is currently listed as day-to-day.
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