Aaron Judge is doing things playing the game of baseball you just don’t witness. The dude is a machine. He’s a machine that is well on his way to winning his second AL MVP award. He finished that 2022 MVP season with 62 homers. He’s at 51 right now with 30 games to go. The only other name somewhat in the conversation is Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals shortstop is having an unbelievable season, but won’t come close to what Judge finishes with. No debate on this one.
Shohei Ohtani is in the driver’s seat in the NL MVP race, but Francisco Lindor is putting himself in the conversation. The argument for Lindor is he is essentially carrying the Mets this season and he plays the field — at a Gold Glove level. The problem is that it might not be enough to get the Mets to the playoffs. Ohtani will likely have the Dodgers winning the NL West and on a quest for a championship. He’s also likely to finish with 50 homers and well over 100 RBIs. A monster September and trip to the playoffs from Lindor and the Mets will make it at least worth a conversation.
Another race that may not end up close is the NL Manager of the Year. What Pat Murphy has done in his first season at the helm for the Brewers is remarkable. They are 75-55 and have a 10-game lead in the NL Central. They are going to win the division with ease and do it with numerous injuries to some of their best players, including Christian Yelich and Brandon Woodruff. Murphy deserves a ton of credit for his team overcoming adversity and winning games without a star-studded cast of characters.
Murphy talked about it this week on “The Show” podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman.
“The Show” podcast with Joel Sherman & Jon Heyman:
- AARON JUDGE & MVP RACE: He is playing at an unbelievable level. He is a lock to win the AL MVP right now. Shohei Ohtani is the NL MVP favorite right now. Francisco Lindor is right behind him, but Ohtani has been too good offensively. Lindor would need an incredible final stretch and to carry the Mets to the playoffs.
- PLAYOFF RACE: Most pressure and best chance on the Yankees to win the division. What’s the point of Old-Timers’ Day if it’s not a game? Would like to see them get out there and play. Also, why remind the fans that it’s been 15 years since they won a championship with a ceremony?
Pat Murphy Interview: Brewers manager
- FIRST PLACE: Biggest reasons behind their success this season.
- OUTDOING CUBS: He doesn’t think in terms of outdoing them vs. outdoing the next team. Craig Counsell will always be a legend in Wisconsin. Relationship with him will never change. People respect him.
- JACKSON CHOURIO: His growth and importance this season. He loves baseball. He was not good defensively in his first month, but he has turned it around.
- WILLY ADAMES: He could end up pricing himself out to stay with the Brewers.
- CHRISTIAN YELICH: He’s very active and the players respect him. You can’t replace him.
- METS INTERVIEW: It was a great experience. I would have hired Carlos Beltran too, and Luis Rojas he would have hired over him too.
- STYLE OF PLAY: Everybody can steal a base in their lineup. They work the count on pitchers. When you have the right people, you’re giving yourself a shot.
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