Over the last couple of years, Shohei Ohtani has developed into a perennial MVP candidate. That holds true this year as well as the Los Angeles Angels star enjoys a great season. Although his pitching has been inconsistent, his batting has been good overall. Most recently, he got closer to Aaron Judge as they engage in a heated race. 

Judge and Ohtani squared off for the MVP trophy last year, with the New York Yankees’ captain taking the award. This year it seems a similar head-to-head will take place as they both play amazing baseball. But as the Yankees’ star suffers from an injury, the Angels’ two-way phenom closes the gap between them.

Shohei Ohtani gets within one home run of matching Aaron Judge’s AL-leading tally

Aaron Judge currently leads the American League with 19 home runs. But Shohei Ohtani is closing the gap between them as the Yankees’ captain spends time on the injured list. During the Angels’ most recent game, Ohtani smashed his 18th big one of the season. This puts him one behind Judge and in a good position to overtake him soon. Talkin’ Baseball shared a video of the two-way phenom smashing and celebrating his 18th home run. 

In a tweet, they said, “Shohei Ohtani’s 18th home run of the season puts him one behind Aaron Judge for the American League lead!” It will be interesting to see whether Ohtani overtakes Judge in his next game. 

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The reactions to the moment have been mixed. 

Some fans believe that since Judge is injured, it isn’t fair. 

Other fans are calling the Angels star the best player. 

But despite Ohtani batting well, the Angels lost against the Mariners 6-2. The Los Angeles-based team is in the midst of a challenge for the playoffs. But it is not looking good, despite Ohtani overcoming his batting slump and smashing home runs. Furthermore, the future looks bleak for the team. 

A top MLB analyst believes that Ohtani will leave in free agency

Top MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal believes that Shohei Ohtani will leave the Angels in free agency. During a recent appearance, he said that he doesn’t believe that the two-way phenom will sign a new deal with the Angels.

The reasoning behind his answer is that Ohtani has seen the project and will want something more. It will be interesting to see where Ohtani ends up as a $500 million contract looks to be in his future.

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What do you think of Shohei Ohtani coming within one home run of Aaron Judge? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.