Aaron Judge is rewriting baseball history—but not everyone is ready to hand him the MVP. Wondering why! Well, the predictions are out, and they are hotter than New York summer. Given Judge’s number from this season, it says another MVP. But one audacious forecast by an MLB insider claims differently, leaving everyone scratching their heads. If he’s not good enough, then who?

Aaron Judge’s 2025 season is nothing short of epic. Leading the majors in hits (56), home runs (12), RBIs (34), and runs (34); he’s flaunting a .400 batting average and a 1.241 OPS through the first 37 games. These numbers are historic, not only league-leading figures. They reflect the high years of Barry Bonds, who had an average slash line of .347/.547/.834 from 2001 to 2004. So, even after coming close to the legend, there are doubts! Sounds a little off, right?

You might think it’s Bobby Witt Jr., the runner-up from the previous season, but no! Certain analysts have turned to a Detroit Tigers outfielder.

In a recent article by MLB, they asked some insiders to pen down predictions, and the most interesting one was from Anthony Castrovince. He wrote, “Judge is completely lapping the field right now, but that was also the case around this time in 2023, before he dealt with a midseason foot injury. I don’t wish injury upon him (not even to help me stumble upon a correct prediction for once), but it is a part of his career profile, unfortunately. So stranger things have happened.”

While doubting Judge’s MVP win, he also predicted who has the potential. Any guesses?

“Anyway, if nothing else, here’s an opportunity to pump up the 24-year-old Greene, who rebounded from a sluggish start to post Player of the Week production last week.” Riley Greene won the AL Player of the Week for April 28–May 4 for his batting average of .464 with four home runs and eight RBIs.

Well, Greene’s performance has been more modest during the last 30 games with a .237 batting average, .323 OBP, and .447 slugging percentage.

But despite everything, how can we forget Judge’s wRC? It’s 214 wRC+, which puts him on track to be only the sixth American League player since 1901 to record several seasons with a wRC+ over 200, alongside Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, and Ty Cobb. And Greene, on the contrary, has a.773 OPS and 0.5 bWAR for the Tigers so far this season.

So, the confusion and prediction might make sense! Because not only Aaron Judge but also Greene is making it into history. He became the only player in MLB history to hit two home runs in the ninth inning of a game in the Tigers’ 9-1 victory over the Angels on May 3.

Greene’s comeback is boosting, but when compared to Judge’s season-long consistency, there remains a gap. Reportedly, Judge’s present figures not only compete with certain historical performances but also, in many respects, exceed them, highlighting the outstanding quality of his season. Do you know which successful career stats we are referring to?

Paul O’Neill’s 1994 season with the Yankees, hitting .459/.562/.847 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs. Rod Carew’s 1983 season with the Angels, recording a .449/.480/.593, with just two home runs and 21 RBIs. Luis Arraez’s 2023 season with the Marlins, having a slashline of .430/.483/.533 slash, one home run, and 12 RBIs. And the one and only Barry Bonds, who is igniting all these conversations?

During his 1993 term with the Giants, Bonds recorded a .429/.539/.813 line, eight home runs, and 29 RBIs.

So, while Greene’s efforts are valuable, Judge’s statistical excellence on almost all offensive measures strongly supports his third MVP prize. However, Castrovince is not alone in thinking Judge might not receive the award this year!

The Aaron Judge’s verdict

The New York Yankees have been propelled by Aaron Judge‘s exceptional play in the 2025 MLB season to the top of the American League East with a 21–16 record. And Judge’s contributions have been so significant that, without his statistics, the Yanks would be 14th in batting average, 11th in on-base percentage, and third in slugging percentage. Basically, his team kinda depends on his performance.

Still, debates around his AL MVP win keep making the rounds…

Former National League MVP Jimmy Rollins has recognized Judge’s unique talents but underlined that Barry Bonds is the standard. He said, “Obviously, what Aaron is able to do at the plate is absolutely special. But Barry was simply different. Whenever his name was announced, you stopped whatever you were doing to come watch this at-bat.”

But then again, Judge has also made changes to his batting stance from May 2024, closing his front leg location, which significantly enhanced his performance. Over the following year, this shift produced a .369 hitting average, 63 home runs, and 158 RBIs, putting him in line with historical greats such as Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds.

Although Judge’s present play is attracting parallels to legends, his team is facing bigger issues. Injuries to important players and worries about pitching depth have cast doubt on the team’s viability. The Yankees will have to handle these problems if they are to stay on top of the division as the season goes on.

But if we keep that aside for a while and ask you whether Aaron Judge will win the MVP title for the third time, what would you say? Or will you have any other name on that list? Or is it Greene for you, too?