Aaron Judge is far too talented to be overlooked in the same way Michael Jordan was at times — he truly deserves the title of the American League MVP.
Let’s avoid making the same mistakes that have plagued sports discussions in the past.
Consider the case of Michael Jordan, who secured five MVP awards during his illustrious NBA career, and many argue he should have claimed at least two more. However, a phenomenon known as "Jordan fatigue" began to set in among voters, leading them to seek fresh narratives. After Jordan clinched back-to-back MVPs, Charles Barkley was awarded the MVP for the 1992-93 season. Then, following Jordan's triumphant return to the league in the 1995-96 season, where he won yet another MVP, voters turned to Karl Malone the following year.
Looking back, it’s clear that Jordan missed out on those additional MVPs not just because of his consistent greatness, which had become almost mundane, but also due to the tendency of voters to favor new stories and become weary of the same old narrative.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are we at risk of repeating this pattern with Aaron Judge? As he continues to shine in the league, will voters overlook his achievements simply because they are accustomed to his excellence? This raises an important question: Should we be more vigilant in recognizing outstanding performances, regardless of how often they occur?
I invite you to share your thoughts. Do you believe that Aaron Judge is being treated unfairly in the MVP conversation? Or do you think the narrative surrounding MVP voting needs to evolve? Let’s discuss!