Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have both earned Silver Slugger honors for the 2024 season, showcasing their exceptional offensive skill and consistent impact. Soto’s award is especially historic, as it ties him with Mike Trout for the most Silver Sluggers (five) by age 26, solidifying his place among the game’s elite young stars. This season, Judge and Soto dominated multiple batting categories, earning AL MVP finalist spots and leading the Yankees to the Louisville Slugger AL Offensive Team of the Year award. With a league-leading fWAR of 33.7, a wRC+ of 117, and an MLB-best 237 home runs, the Yankees’ lineup thrived. But as the $700-million-ish question lingers, fans are left to wonder: will the Bronx Bombers keep the dynamic duo together?
Juan Soto had a career year
In what might be his only season with the Yankees, “generational talent” Juan Soto made every moment count. At the young age of 26, Soto set career highs in runs (128), hits, home runs, total bases (328), and extra-base hits (76) during a standout regular season. He ranked second in the majors in walks, times on base (299), and runs scored, while finishing fourth in home runs, slugging percentage, and position-player fWAR (8.1). The highly anticipated free-agent addition also delivered a .288/.419/.569 slash line and an elite 119/129 K/BB ratio, cementing his reputation as one of baseball’s most impactful players.
Aaron Judge deserves the AL MVP honors
Aaron Judge delivered a historic season at the plate, leading the majors in home runs, RBIs, and OPS. The Yankees’ captain posted a remarkable .322/.458/.701 slash line, with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, while pacing all American League hitters with 392 total bases. His 218 wRC+ even surpassed his 2022 performance, the season when he set the AL record with 62 home runs. According to Baseball Reference, Judge’s 2024 campaign ranks as the best offensive season in history by any player not named Babe Ruth or Barry Bonds. This marks Judge’s fourth Silver Slugger award in his eight-year career with the Yankees.
Together, they were historic
In addition to posting career individual high’s this season, the pair made teammate history. The duo joined the prestigious ranks of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig (1927, ’30, ’31) and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris (1961) as the third pair of Yankees teammates to notch 40+ home runs in the same season.
Remaining BBWAA Awards
- Nov. 18: Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year – Luis Gil and Austin Wells are finalists
- Nov. 19: Managers of the Year
- Nov. 20: Cy Young Awards
- Nov. 21: MVP Awards – Judge and Soto are finalists
Remaining Other Awards
- Nov. 14: Hank Aaron Award – Judge and Soto are finalists
