Think about this – You’re building a dream team, and you get first dibs on two superstar pairings. On one hand, is the unstoppable hitting duo of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. On the other, the versatile Shohei Ohtani and the ever-reliable Mookie Betts. This is the dilemma Hall of Famer John Smoltz recently faced, and his answer sheds light on the ever-changing geography of baseball.

“It’s a great question,” Smoltz acknowledges. Stating that one hundred people could answer a hundred different ways and none of them would be wrong, he highlights the difficulty of choosing between the two options. Apart from that, he underscored the sheer talent these players possess. However, despite the tough choice, he makes his pick. 

John Smoltz makes his pick

Here’s how Smoltz broke the tie. While acknowledging the power of both duos, he ultimately leaned towards Ohtani and Betts, citing their health and a strategic edge. He went on to explain his choice “The only reason I’m going with the Dodgers [Ohtani and Betts] is because they’ve shown their ability to stay healthier.”

Smoltz elaborated on this perspective highlighting how important and crucial health is. The recently turned 57-year-old said that a team can only be as good as its players on the field. Ohtani, primarily a designated hitter, avoids the wear and tear of playing a defensive position. Betts, on the other hand, has a remarkable track record of staying on the field.

But it’s not just health that sways Smoltz. He recognizes the unique value Ohtani brings to the table. “Ohtani, obviously, it’s a no-brainer if he’s pitching,” Smoltz says. Having a dominant pitcher like Ohtani on your team is a game-changer, but the reality of today is that he isn’t pitching. And that’s where the competition from the Judge-Soto competition comes in. 

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Juan Soto-Aaron Judge gives close competition to Shohei Ohtani-Mookie Betts duo

While Smoltz acknowledges Judge’s potential, particularly considering his home ballpark’s hitter-friendly environment, he expresses some reservations. “The reason I give [Betts] the edge is because Judge hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough yet.” Of course, Smoltz acknowledges that a healthy Judge paired with Soto would be a force to be reckoned with. “If you could guarantee me they were both healthy, man, it’s almost a dead tie,” he admits.

Ultimately, Smoltz’s decision highlights the importance of a well-rounded team. While Soto and Judge offer undeniable offensive firepower, Ohtani’s pitching prowess and Betts’ consistency give the Dodgers’ duo a slight edge. This isn’t to say Soto and Judge can’t be dominant, but health remains a crucial factor in any championship run.