Aaron Judge is a huge betting favorite to claim the AL MVP title, awarded for his performances in the regular season. However, Judge's regular-season heroics didn't translate to the postseason.
Moreover, the Yankees captain's costly error was one reason why the Dodgers won Game 5 of the World Series, taking the Fall Classic 4-1. MLB analyst and sportscaster Scott Braun recently appeared on PIX11 News' SportsNation, revealing his opinion about Aaron Judge as a center outfielder.
"[Aaron] Judge is not, for me, a good center fielder. I also still feel nervous. I know he made it through this season that way, but he's a huge dude, and for longevity purposes, center field wears you down," Braun said [Timestamp 3:18].
The analyst sees another place in the outfield most suitable for Aaron Judge. In the 2024 season, Juan Soto occupied it. Even if the Yankees acquire Soto in free agency, Braun wants Judge to take that position.
"He is much better in a corner, and I think they should take that more seriously. If anything, I think there's a chance [Jasson] Dominguez plays in center because he's a great athlete, even though I know they were nervous about him. You put Judge back in the corner, regardless of if they sign [Juan] Soto or not," Braun added [Timestamp 3:26].
Nicknamed "The Martian," Dominguez is a 21-year-old outfielder whom many Yankees fans and analysts have high hopes for. However, the Dominican only featured as a pinch runner in the World Series. He featured only in 3 postseason games in total.
Braun is the host of the popular MLB podcast "Foul Territory," having previously worked for the MLB Network and NHL Network.
MLB insider claims Shohei Ohtani is the 'MLB MVP' over Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge has often received scathing criticism for his performances in the postseason. Unlike the regular season where he is a home run threat, the Yankees captain has failed to command the same fear in the postseason.
On his podcast, Ben Verlander, an MLB insider and analyst, proclaimed Shohei Ohtani as the MLB MVP over Aaron Judge. Every year, the MLB gives two MVP Awards, one each for the American and National League.
Debates often arise in the MLB community regarding who would've won the MVP if only one player could claim it. The comparisons among fans about who had a better season between Judge and Ohtani are rampant now.
In this scenario, Verlander, a self-professed diehard fan of Ohtani, gave the Japanese superstar the nod, citing the Dodgers star scoring at a higher pace than the Yankees captain.
Ben is the younger brother of Justin Verlander, the 2011 AL MVP, 2x World Series Champion, 9x All-Star and 3x Cy Young winner. He played some games in the minor leagues, but couldn't generate the same success as his older brother.