2023 has been a year riddles with injuries, be it the East Coast or West, Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. One of the league’s best, Judge started out the season on a strong note. Then at the end of April, an awkward slide into third base brought a minor hip injury, leading him to the 10-day IL. The New York Yankees captain returned to have some of the best weeks for the club. But his misfortunes weren’t over yet.

A toe injury sustained at Dodger Stadium on June 3rd led him to miss two months of the regular season, which severely impacted the Pinstripes. In the meanwhile, AL’s other superstar gained more stats as he had a monster season. As a result, Shohei Ohtani is now the top MVP contender, leading the league with 44 home runs. But all is not well in Los Angeles, and now All-Rise is heating back up again. Are the two back in direct competition?

Home Run King – Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani?

Last year, Aaron Judge caused a ruckus in the league when he set a new single-season AL home run record at 62. Earning the title of MVP, many expected a similar, if not a repeat performance in 2023. Instead, the outfielder’s season was wrought with injury. So what better candidate to fill in his shoes than baseball’s unicorn?

Shohei Ohtani has created chaos in 2023 as fans and analysts try to wrap their heads around the sheer numbers he has been putting up. The Angels player has been a sight to behold this season but unfortunately, one side of his two-way skills will be no more. Due to a torn UCL, Ohtani will no longer pitch this season. That still leaves room for hitting, however, and he is on pace for at least 60 home runs this season.

Interestingly, the Japanese superstar has been in a slump as of late, although he still tops the home run chart. On the other hand, Aaron Judge already has already smashed 28 long balls this season, despite missing out a major chunk of the season. A recent game saw the captain hit his first three HR game, including a grand slam. Is he back in the home run king contention?

While Judge’s toe hasn’t fully healed yet, he has been putting on a wonderful performance at the plate. While it’s unlikely he will catch up to his 2022 record, the outfielder is quickly climbing up the home run chart at least. Once again, giving Shohei Ohtani a run for his money. But will either of them break the record?

Plot Twist – Matt Olson Takes It All

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves has not been talked about enough this season. When Judge and Ohtani have not dominated the conversation, it has usually been Olson at the top of the MLB Home Run chart.

READ MORE – Would Shohei Ohtani Still Have a Chance at MVP if Aaron Judge Played the Full Season?

Currently, he’s at 43 HRs, one behind the Angels two-way player and is on pace to hit 50+ homers. While a tremendous feat in itself, it’s unlikely he will surpass Judge’s 62. But what a twist of fate it would be if by season’s end, it’s his name at the top and not Ohtani’s!

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