Judge tops the midseason MLB rankings as Ohtani remains a close rival in a season defined by two-way excellence
As the season pushes past its midpoint, Aaron Judge holds the No. 1 spot on the in-season top-100 list, with Shohei Ohtani right behind as the Dodgers’ two-way star continues to stretch the value of a rare combination of hitting and pitching. Judge, the Yankees’ slugging outfielder, has posted a dazzling .336/.444/.687 slash line through 109 games, showcasing the power and on-base prowess that have long defined his peak performances.
Judge hit a rough patch in June, going 24-for-95 for the month and posting a line of .253/.388/.579 with an OPS of .967. Yet even during the slump, his on-base and slugging numbers remained elite, and he carried the season’s overall production in the left-field-to-outfield spectrum. Earlier in the year he battled an elbow issue that limited his time in the outfield, and in late July he faced a flexor strain that briefly shifted him to designated hitter as he worked to ramp back toward full strength.
On the Dodgers’ side, Ohtani continues to deliver a compelling blend of bat and mound work. He is batting .284/.389/.624 with 42 home runs and a 1.103 OPS in 117 games, and he has contributed 2.37 earned run average across 19 innings pitched this season. Even in a relatively small pitching sample, his numbers illustrate why opponents fear his two-way impact, as his hitting power pairs with a sometimes subtlest-to-dominant mound presence.
When you compare the two, Judge leads in virtually every major hitting category—batting average, WAR, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS and OPS+. That broad leadership underscores why many observers view him as the top overall hitter in 2025. Still, Ohtani’s dual-threat profile makes the discussion far from settled, especially with fewer than 50 games remaining in the year.
What this rivalry means for the stretch run is clear: Judge’s combination of contact and power continues to carry the Yankees, while Ohtani’s rare, all-around skill set gives the Dodgers continued leverage in both aspects of the game. The next several weeks will determine not only season standings, but also a likely season-long narrative about the year’s premier two-way player and the premier pure hitter.
Additional context and takeaways:
– Judge’s early-season surge established the standard for the list, and his sustained performance keeps him ahead in traditional metrics as well as advanced stats.
– Ohtani remains a unique asset, offering elite offensive production while contributing meaningful pitching innings, which adds a valuable depth dimension for the Dodgers.
– The season’s trajectory suggests a tight finish in the race for the top spot, with late-season health and remaining schedule likely to tilt ballots and fans’ expectations.
Overall, the update reinforces a compelling storyline heading into the final phase of 2025: a power-hitting superstar who can anchor a lineup and a groundbreaking two-way ace who remains a constant threat in multiple facets of the game, both capable of shaping the postseason picture. If you’re chasing fantasy value or playoff implications, keep an eye on Judge’s health status and Ohtani’s ongoing two-way usage as the clock winds down.