MLB Playoffs 2017: Choosing an MVP for every team

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge

Who else from the Yankees did you think would make this list? Of course Aaron Judge was the Yankees’ regular season MVP; by some accounts he should be the AL MVP.

After striking out 42 times in 84 at-bats in 2016, Judge came back with a vengeance in 2017. All the 25-year-old rookie did was club 52 home runs, drive in 114 and walk 127 times. That does even mention his .284/.422/.627 slash line and OPS+ of 171.

On perhaps a negative note, Judge struck out 208 times, good enough to lead the league. However, he did balance it out with the 127 walks mentioned above. Those walks, coupled with an insanely high OBP, account for the league leading 128 runs Judge scored in 2017.

With the Yankees failing to make the postseason in 2016, Judge has yet to play in October. All the Yankees can hope for is a little of Judge’s regular season to carry over into the postseason. Behind Judge, the Yankees’ offense was solid in 2017.

Gary Sanchez, Didi Gregorius and Brett Gardner all hit 20-plus home runs this season while Starlin Castro slashed .300/.338/.454 in 112 games.

After posting the type of season that Judge did in 2017, it would seem that he is a lock for AL Rookie of the Year. Even more so, Judge’s name should be seriously considered for American League MVP.

With a sterling first full season behind him, Judge will look to build upon his wonderful campaign when the Yankees square off against the Twins in the American League Wild Card Game.