Judge: Ohtani is 'best player in the game'

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge praised Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani ahead of their matchup in the World Series.

Judge commented on Ohtani's impressive performance, stating, "He hits for average. He hits for power. The speed. Doing what he did this year with the 50 stolen bases. It got talked about a lot, but I don't think it got talked about enough." He continued, "He's an impressive athlete, the best player in the game. What an ambassador for this sport."

Ohtani is on track to win his third MVP award in four years, following a remarkable season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. He finished second in the 2022 MVP voting when Judge claimed his first MVP honor.

Judge led MLB with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs this season, achieving a 1.159 OPS and an 11.2 fWAR, the highest for any player outside of Barry Bonds since 2000.

Both players are nominated for the 2024 Player of the Year award for the MLBPA Players Choice Awards.

The World Series is set to begin with Game 1 at Dodger Stadium on Friday.