Aaron Judge does things in baseball that you don’t normally see. The guy is a machine. He’s a machine who is on pace to win his second AL MVP award. He finished the 2022 MVP season with 62 home runs. Now he has 51 home runs and 30 games left. The only other name being discussed is Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals shortstop is having an incredible season but won’t come close to what Judge is finishing. There’s no debate about that.

Shohei Ohtani has the edge in the NL MVP race, but Francisco Lindor is also a topic of conversation. Lindor’s argument is that he’s essentially carrying the Mets this season and playing the field — at a Gold Glove level. The problem is, it might not be enough to get the Mets into the playoffs. Ohtani will likely lead the Dodgers to victory in the NL West and put them in the hunt for the championship. Plus, he’ll likely finish with 50 home runs and well over 100 RBIs. A monster September and a trip to the playoffs from Lindor and the Mets will make it worth discussing at least.

Another race that isn’t going to be too close is the NL Manager of the Year. What Pat Murphy has done in his first season at the helm of the Brewers is remarkable. They are 75-55 and have a 10-game lead in the NL Central. They will win the division easily, despite numerous injuries to some of their best players, including Christian Yelich and Brandon Woodruff. Murphy deserves a lot of credit for his team overcoming adversity and winning games without a star-studded cast.

Murphy talked about it this week on the podcast “The Show” with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman.

“The Show” podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman:

• AARON JUDGE & MVP RACE: He is playing at an incredible level. He is currently in the lead and will definitely be AL MVP. Shohei Ohtani is currently the favorite for NL MVP. Francisco Lindor is hot on his heels, but Ohtani was too good offensively. Lindor would need an incredible final phase and would have to get the Mets into the playoffs.
• PLAYOFF RACES: The Yankees have the most pressure and the best chance to win the division. What’s the point of Old-Timers’ Day if it’s not a game? I’d love to see them go out there and play. And why have a ceremony to remind fans that it’s been 15 years since they last won a championship?

Interview with Pat Murphy: Manager of the Brewers

• FIRST PLACE: The main reasons for their success this season.
• SUPERIOR YOUNG: He’s not thinking about outdoing them or outdoing the next team. Craig Counsell will always be a legend in Wisconsin. The relationship with him will never change. People respect him.
• JACKSON CHOURIO: His growth and importance this season. He loves baseball. His first month he wasn’t good on defense, but he turned it around.
• WILLY ADAMES: He might end up spending too much money to stay with the Brewers.
• CHRISTIAN YELICH: He is very active and respected by the players. He is irreplaceable.
• METS INTERVIEW: It was a great experience. I would have hired Carlos Beltran too, and he would have preferred Luis Rojas too.
• PLAYING STYLE: Anyone in their lineup can steal a base. They work on the number of pitchers. If you have the right people, you have a chance.

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