Aaron Judge & Altuve: The Rivalry, The Respect & More!

Did the 2017 MVP award really go to the most deserving player? The debate surrounding Aaron Judge and Jose Altuve's 2017 season rages on, fueled by stellar performances, contrasting narratives, and the shadow of controversy. It's a story of contrasting styles, one a towering force of nature, the other a scrappy underdog, both vying for baseball's highest individual honor.

The year 2017 was a seismic one in baseball, marked by phenomenal individual achievements and, later, by revelations that cast a long shadow. While the Houston Astros' World Series victory was initially celebrated, the subsequent exposure of their sign-stealing scandal forever tainted their accomplishments, including Jose Altuve's MVP award. Simultaneously, Aaron Judge was electrifying the league with a rookie season for the ages, a performance that many felt was undeniably MVP-worthy. The juxtaposition of these two narratives, interwoven with the scandal, has ensured that the 2017 AL MVP debate remains a contentious topic among fans and analysts alike.

Aaron Judge's 2017 season was nothing short of a revelation. As a rookie, he shattered expectations, hitting 52 home runs, a new rookie record, while maintaining a .284 batting average and driving in 114 runs. His sheer power was captivating, and his presence in the Yankees' lineup transformed their offense. Judge's towering frame and prodigious home runs quickly made him a fan favorite and a symbol of the Yankees' resurgence. He was an All-Star, a Silver Slugger Award winner, and finished first in the American League in runs scored (128) and walks (127). His on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 1.049 was among the league's best, showcasing his ability to both get on base and hit for power. However, Judge's season wasn't without its flaws. A prolonged slump in the second half of the year saw his batting average dip, and his strikeout rate remained a concern, a vulnerability that pitchers occasionally exploited.

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Jose Altuve, on the other hand, presented a different profile. Standing at just 5'6", he was a stark contrast to the imposing Judge. Altuve's game was built on contact, speed, and an uncanny ability to hit for average. In 2017, he led the American League with a .346 batting average, collecting 204 hits and stealing 32 bases. He was a consistent offensive force for the Astros, a key cog in their potent lineup. While he didn't possess Judge's raw power, Altuve's offensive contributions were undeniable. His .957 OPS demonstrated his all-around offensive prowess. Moreover, Altuve's reputation as a respected player, known for his hustle and sportsmanship, further solidified his candidacy for the MVP award. He was a five-time All-Star at this point, and his leadership on and off the field was considered a valuable asset.

The MVP voting reflected the differing perspectives on what constitutes the "most valuable" player. Altuve ultimately edged out Judge, receiving 27 of the 30 first-place votes. While Judge received the remaining two first-place votes. The voters clearly valued Altuve's higher batting average and the Astros' overall success as a team. The teams success narrative often plays a role in MVP voting, and the Astros' dominant season undoubtedly influenced the decision. Some voters might have seen Altuve as the catalyst for the Astros' offensive success, crediting him with a significant portion of their wins. Others pointed to Judge's high strikeout rate and second-half slump as reasons to penalize his candidacy, emphasizing Altuve's consistent performance throughout the season.

The revelation of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal has irrevocably altered the perception of Altuve's MVP award. The fact that the Astros were illegally decoding opponents' signs during their games has led many to question the legitimacy of their offensive success, including Altuve's individual performance. The scandal cast a dark shadow over the entire team, and Altuve, as one of their key players, has faced intense scrutiny. Some argue that the sign-stealing gave Altuve an unfair advantage, artificially inflating his batting average and offensive statistics. Others maintain that Altuve was unaware of the scheme or that his individual talent was still the primary driver of his success. Regardless, the scandal has made it difficult to objectively assess Altuve's 2017 season and has fueled the perception that Judge was the more deserving candidate.

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The debate over the 2017 AL MVP is not simply about comparing statistics; it's about contrasting styles, different definitions of "value," and the impact of external factors like team success and scandal. Judge's raw power and game-changing ability made him an exciting and impactful player, while Altuve's consistent hitting and leadership were crucial to the Astros' success. While statistics provide objective measures of performance, the MVP award ultimately involves subjective judgments about a player's overall contribution to their team. Some voters prioritize offensive output, while others value defensive contributions, leadership qualities, or overall impact on the game. These subjective factors can often outweigh statistical comparisons, leading to differing opinions on who is most deserving of the award.

Beyond the numbers, the 2017 AL MVP race touched upon fundamental questions about the game itself. James's argument that "baseball players are in the business of creating wins, not runs" highlights the complexity of evaluating player contributions. While runs are the currency of baseball, wins are the ultimate goal. Determining which players contribute most to winning games is a challenging task that involves considering a wide range of factors beyond traditional statistics. Some argue that Judge's ability to hit home runs and drive in runs had a greater impact on the Yankees' win total than Altuve's high batting average. Others maintain that Altuve's consistent hitting and ability to get on base created more scoring opportunities for the Astros, ultimately leading to more wins.

The interplay between Judge and Altuve extends beyond their individual performances and the MVP debate. Photos of the two players interacting on the field, whether during a game in July or during the American League Championship Series, capture a sense of camaraderie and respect between them. These images offer a glimpse into the human side of the game, reminding us that even amidst intense competition, players can forge connections and appreciate each other's talents. The photograph of Judge standing alongside Altuve after hitting a double, for instance, encapsulates the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect that can exist between rivals.

The height disparity between Judge and Altuve has also become a source of amusement and fascination. The viral image comparing Judge and Shaquille O'Neal to Judge and Altuve highlights the stark contrast in stature, generating laughter and illustrating the diversity of body types in professional sports. The photo serves as a reminder that success in baseball is not solely determined by physical attributes, but also by skill, determination, and mental fortitude. Altuve's success, despite his smaller stature, is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering work ethic.

The 2017 AL MVP controversy serves as a reminder that even seemingly objective awards can be shaped by subjective factors and external circumstances. While statistics provide valuable insights into player performance, they cannot fully capture the complexity of a player's contribution to their team. The debate over Judge and Altuve will likely continue for years to come, fueled by differing perspectives, lingering questions about the Astros' scandal, and the enduring fascination with two of baseball's most talented players. The incident where (jose) altuve stole an mvp from (aaron) judge in \u201917, will always be remembered in the baseball history.

In Houston, on a Sunday in July 2017, New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and Houston Astros' second baseman Jose Altuve were seen conversing during the first inning of a baseball game. This seemingly simple interaction underscores the respect and camaraderie that can exist between competitors, even amidst intense rivalry and debates over individual accolades. It is a testament to the sportsmanship that, despite the controversies and debates, often prevails on the field. Such moments, often captured in editorial stock photos, provide a humanizing element to the high-stakes world of professional baseball.

Even now, years later, the reverberations of that season are still felt. Max Goodman's piece from January 17, 2020, revisiting the MVP race, highlights the enduring nature of this debate. It serves as a reminder that these discussions are not simply about numbers, but about legacy, fairness, and the integrity of the game. It's a topic that continues to generate passionate opinions and serves as a case study in how we evaluate individual performance within a team sport, and how external factors can forever alter the perception of accomplishments.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge (#99) is often seen with the Houston Astros' Jose Altuve (#27). One such occasion was after a double during the third inning in Game Five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. These images, readily available on platforms like Getty Images and Shutterstock, contribute to the visual narrative surrounding their careers and their interactions, capturing moments of competition and, perhaps, mutual respect. The availability of these images in multiple sizes and formats underscores the enduring interest in these two players and their place in baseball history.

Before a game against the Astros, #Yankees Aaron Judge took the time to spend time with a local little leaguer. These moments of community engagement highlight the role that athletes play as role models and the positive impact they can have on young fans. These seemingly small gestures contribute to a larger narrative of athletes giving back to their communities and inspiring the next generation of players.

The contrast between the two players extends beyond the baseball diamond. A segment from "The Tonight Show" featured an individual posing as an interviewer in Manhattan's Bryant Park, asking Yankee fans their opinions of Aaron Judge. This reflects Judge's popularity and his status as a cultural figure in New York City. The opinions and perceptions of fans play a significant role in shaping an athlete's image and legacy.

Speculation continues about the future, with some even looking ahead to potential prop bets. As one example, "Here's a look at the top 5 MLB home run prop bets today featuring Aaron Judge, Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve and more for May 3, 2025." This illustrates the enduring interest in these players and their performance, and how they continue to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.

Another example of the ongoing coverage is the article "Yankees' Aaron Judge or Jose Altuve?" which underscores the enduring fascination with comparing and contrasting these two players. The simple question encapsulates the complex debate that has surrounded them for years, a debate that is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.

The height difference between Judge and Altuve is a recurring theme, highlighted by the comparison involving Jimmy Graham (6'7") and Nate Weir (5'7"). This visual gag, shared in "A series of photos on Graham's Twitter," underscores the remarkable diversity of body types in baseball and how success can be achieved regardless of physical stature. It's a lighthearted reminder that talent and skill can overcome physical limitations.

Whether captured by Erick W. Rasco for Sports Illustrated or by Jamie Squire for Getty Images, the images of Aaron Judge and Jose Altuve continue to tell the story of their careers, their rivalry, and their place in baseball history. These photographs, readily available for editorial use, provide a visual record of their accomplishments and their interactions, allowing fans to relive the moments that have shaped their legacies.