Benji Gil, a seasoned veteran with eight years in Major League Baseball, knows his way around the diamond. Spending the last stretch of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, he's seen it all. So, when asked at the World Baseball Classic about Aaron Judge's status as the best hitter in the world, Gil delivered a respectful nod to the New York Yankees' powerhouse, acknowledging Judge's consistency over the past five years.
But Gil didn't stop there. He dropped a memorable line, hinting at another extraordinary talent in Los Angeles-none other than Shohei Ohtani.
Gil wrapped up his thoughts by stating, "Without a doubt, the best baseball player in the world is Shohei [Ohtani]." A simple yet powerful endorsement.
The Ohtani-Judge debate is set to be a centerpiece of baseball discussions in 2026. Both players continue to stack up MVP awards and are the faces of their nations in the World Baseball Classic.
Their 2024 World Series showdown was a historic clash, though both had quieter performances than expected. Yet, Ohtani’s reputation for shining in clutch moments contrasts with Judge's struggles in postseason play.
Even outside of October, Ohtani's case is compelling. Judge may have shattered the American League home run record in 2022 and claimed the MVP that year, but Ohtani's dual-threat prowess is unmatched.
With a career .957 OPS and a 3.00 ERA, Ohtani's impact on both sides of the ball is unparalleled. His historic 50-50 season in 2024, achieved while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and his four unanimous MVP wins, speak volumes.
Gil rightly praised Judge for his consistent excellence, noting his wRC+ hasn't dipped below 150 since 2020-a testament to his own brand of dominance.
So, next time you're marveling at Judge's power, remember there's another extraordinary talent in Los Angeles rewriting the rulebook.