Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees have been named unanimous MVP winners for the 2024 MLB season, an outcome that came as no surprise to many within the baseball community. While the announcement was celebrated with an hour-long reveal special on MLB Network, the consensus is that the accolades received by these two players reflect achievements that may never be seen again in the sport. Ohtani's victory in the National League marks his third MVP award, joining only 11 other players in this elite club, and he is the sole individual to earn all three awards with unanimous votes. Judge, having secured his second MVP title, joins the ranks of seven players in Yankees history to achieve this feat, solidifying his status as one of the franchise's greats.

Notably, while both Ohtani and Judge faced challenges during the playoffs, their MVP awards serve as a significant highlight in their careers, emphasizing the remarkable impact they had on the 2024 season. Their performance this year surpassed prior seasons, including the memorable 2022 AL MVP race in which Judge claimed victory with 28 out of 30 first-place votes despite Ohtani's impressive contributions as a top-tier hitter and pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels. In 2024, Ohtani set a career-high with a 190 OPS+ and achieved a milestone by becoming a member of MLB's 50-50 Club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. Meanwhile, Judge, two home runs shy of joining the exclusive club of players with multiple 60-home run seasons, also achieved personal bests across several metrics, including a .322 batting average and a 1.159 OPS, showcasing a performance level rarely seen in the league's history.

Looking ahead, questions remain regarding the future trajectories of both players. Ohtani, who has undergone Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure, is anticipated to return to pitching in the 2025 season, although it is uncertain if he will replicate his previous offensive capabilities given the rarity of achieving a 50-50 season. As he prepares for a new phase in his career, the Dodgers may have to navigate his role as he transitions back to the mound. Similarly, Judge's future is intertwined with the decisions of the Yankees, especially concerning their roster moves and the potential re-signing of Juan Soto. At 33 years old, questions surrounding Judge's ability to maintain his current level of play loom large, particularly given the historical patterns associated with larger hitters. The extraordinary achievements of Ohtani and Judge in 2024 should not be taken for granted; their performances are a testament to their exceptional talent and will likely be celebrated for years to come.