In the heart of the 2024 MLB season, a thrilling chase is unfolding, echoing the legendary feats of Markus Lynn “Mookie” Betts in 2018. Betts’ astounding 10.9 WAR, the highest for a position player since Barry Bonds in 2002, stands as a monument to excellence. As Batflipbombz aptly puts it, “Mookie Betts’ 10.9 WAR in 2018 was the highest for any position player since Barry Bonds in 2002, placing him in legendary company,” a testament to his remarkable batting average, home runs, Gold Glove, MVP, Silver Slugger, and World Series win. But this record, once seemingly untouchable, is now under siege.
The challengers? None other than the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge and the Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson, both delivering MVP-caliber performances that are rewriting the history books. Judge, the Bombers’ captain, is on a tear, leading the majors in numerous offensive categories with a 5.9 WAR, mirroring his 2022 MVP season of 10.6 WAR. Henderson, the young Birds’ shortstop, is not far behind, posting an impressive 6.0 WAR at the season’s halfway mark, a figure that ranks among the highest for an Oriole hitter in recent years.
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But what makes this chase truly captivating is the historical context. Mookie Betts’ 2018 season was a rare feat, a symphony of offensive prowess, defensive brilliance, and baserunning mastery. His WAR of 10.9 tied with Ted Williams for the second-highest in Boston Red Sox history, only trailing Carl Yastrzemski’s 12.5 in 1967.
In the annals of baseball history, only a select few have achieved such a high WAR before turning 26: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle. Betts joined this elite group, further solidifying his place as a generational talent. Can Judge and Henderson, with their current trajectories, etch their names alongside these legends? The question hangs heavy in the air.
Mookie Betts’ legendary 2018 is a benchmark under threat by a new era of MVP contenders
Betts’ 2018 season was not just about numbers; it was about the narrative. He became the first American League player to win the World Series, MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards in the same season, a feat previously achieved only by Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt in 1980.
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Mookie Betts is the first American League player ever to win the World Series and earn MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger Awards in the same season. The only NL player ever to do that is Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt (1980, Phillies).
— J.P. Long (@SoxNotes) November 15, 2018
The chase for Mookie Betts’ record is not just a statistical battle; it’s a narrative battle. Both Judge and Henderson are crafting their own narratives, with Judge aiming to replicate his historic 2022 season and Henderson emerging as a breakout star for the Orioles. Judge’s significance to the Yankees is evident in their impressive record, on pace for 111 wins, exceeding their 2022 performance. Henderson, on the other hand, is being utilized strategically by the Orioles, batting leadoff against right-handed pitchers and cleanup against lefties to maximize his run production and on-base opportunities.
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Betts’ impact extended beyond the baseball diamond, as he was recognized as the Tennessean Sportsperson of the Year in 2018, not only for his on-field achievements but also for his philanthropic efforts in both Boston and his hometown of Nashville. He was even honored by the Tennessee Titans as the “12th Titan,” further showcasing his widespread appeal.
In this captivating chase, the underlying question remains: Can Judge and Henderson sustain their exceptional performances and surpass Mookie Betts’ monumental record? The answer lies in the remaining games of the 2024 season. Can Judge continue his home run barrage and maintain his impressive offensive numbers? Will Henderson continue his all-around excellence, combining power, speed, and defensive prowess? These questions will be answered as the season unfolds, adding another layer of intrigue to this historic chase.
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