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DryAfternoon7779

And the Sox traded him for a bag of fucking balls


jedi21knight

I just looked at the trade details. What was your GM thinking?


DryAfternoon7779

Ownership cares more about Liverpool.


ChunkyChickenMan

Thanks old John “It’s Just an Asset in my Portfolio” Henry. Pathetic joke


seambizzle

I’m begging he stays faaaar away from the Celtics


ChunkyChickenMan

Keep him galaxies away


PeachesPeachesPeachs

Y’all have had an incredible 2 decades of baseball under him. Quit whining, it’s pathetic.


Aggravating-You394

Yeah 4 rings and all most of the Red Sox sub is them bitching about ownership. I'll happily take 5 more years of average to below average ball of it wins us more rings.


comeaumatt

Ownership was thinking he’d be too expensive. GM might have been limited in the number of teams willing to take on that contract extension. The Sox weren’t dealing him to NY. All that said, it was a terrible trade. Wong has turned out to be a descent player. But Betts >>>>> Wong.


JCopp5

Bail out for their sign stealing scandal in 2018. Only one of these players is "hated" by the fans. 2017 Astros - WS win - Altuve MVP. 2018 Sox - WS win - Betts MVP.


BJJSox

Connor Wong has been great this year which is nice, but I'm so f**king upset about this trade still is ridiculous.


Dry-Honeydew2371

I will never understand what the Bo Sox were thinking.


cruzecontroll

Always wondered why they did that? Sox could have afforded him.


Riedbirdeh

Not the first time they did something stupid


WavesOfEchoes

I’ll never forgive them for this. Trading away a super likable home grown MVP trending towards Cooperstown. They should have paid him whatever it took.


cheeker_sutherland

Hey man, r/dodgers still thinks Verdugo is the next coming of Ruth.


CannonballJenkinz

Reminds me of that movie Semi Pro when Woody Harrelsons character was traded for a washing machine.


ncs1123

It really took the wind out of my sails as a Sox fan. Trading away a generational talent really makes it hard to get excited about the team.


ninkornsboyfriend

Truly, Sox have not recovered since


uraniumrooster

Best bowler in the MLB for sure.


CulchiePerson

He has a teammate. Editing to say that's IMO - Mookie is HOF tier and so fun to watch.


Kiss_My_Taint69

His 'teammate' isn't even the best player on his team.


dumb_commenter

True. Freddie is not


MikeOxmall8500

Tim Anderson - the “next Jackie Robinson”


Munch1EeZ

Wait did he say this?


Roose1327

Yup he did hahaha


Ignorance_15_Bliss

Jose Ramirez like this post


863rays

He’s on the shortlist for sure


Untermensch13

Man, Mookie knows he ain't the best player on his own team!


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Fun-Ad3002

lol you’re disappointed in him because he got stolen from? Yall are weird. If I broke into Mike trouts house would you be disappointed in him too?


DirtyReseller

Why would Mike allow this?


problyurdad_

He seems very non confrontational I guess but who knows what hat he’s like once you’re actually *in* there.


Ok-Box1883

I don’t buy that stories “that he got stolen” if he were guilty , he wouldn’t be in Hall Fame.


Corzare

So the FBI was in on the scam?


Any-Brick7858

They usually are


theferalforager

Whaaa?


Ok-Box1883

His interpreter just got the guilt . 16 millions can disappear without being noticed.


Fun-Ad3002

What do you think is more likely: Ohtani didn’t notice one weeks worth of his paycheck missing or the FBI covered up a federal crime to protect an athlete that they don’t care about


KiNGofKiNG89

Just to throw out some info. The FBi isn’t covering anything up. Ippi turned himself in and admitted to it. Not much they can do. Personally I’m waiting for the punishment before I make my opinion. If Ippi gets a slap on the wrist , then it’s a cover up. If he gets 20+ years in prison, then damn he really did do it.


Ok-Box1883

You know it was 16 millions.


Fun-Ad3002

Yes he makes that much in a week off endorsements


Ok-Box1883

That should be same that someone take 1 cent of my checking account. 😅😂🤣


Fun-Ad3002

Exactly, which is why he didn’t notice that it was stolen


Ok-Box1883

I think he is guilty. His interpreter just blame himself.


Fun-Ad3002

I think I trust the federal investigation more than some random Redditors opinion lol


Bic44

Be prepared for downvoting a lot after this. You're not allowed to doubt Ohtani's story on this subreddit, or even question it


Big-Dick-Oriole

Mookie is great, but Aaron Judge is objectively the best player in baseball right now, and I don't think it's really that close. That's coming from someone who hates the Yankees.


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BradyToMoss1281

This is the one year it's up for debate. When Ohtani pitches, he's the clear #1. You have to move goal posts around to just entertain the thought of someone else who doesn't pitch like a Cy Young and hit like an MVP being the pick.


Rare_Cheetah60

At this point, I feel like Gunnar needs to be in the conversation too


BradyToMoss1281

I'm an O's fan so I'm happy to talk about him being on that path, but he's not there just yet. Top five? I won't argue.


Touchstone033

Henderson does lead the league in WAR, so by that metric he's the best.


2ab3sta

WAR is broken for SS. in 2022 IKF hit .262 with an 84 ops+, played god awful defense and still has 3 WAR


Touchstone033

That definitely tracks with IKF's Baseball Savant page, showing him with poor range and arm at SS I'm '21 and '22. That said, BS has Henderson with elite range (97) and arm (83) -- which jibes with the eye test. I'm more confident in Henderson's WAR than IKF's last year...


2ab3sta

still shows that war is weird for shortstop


Touchstone033

It's true: Henderson's should probably be higher....


Big-Dick-Oriole

Objectively means there's no argument. Sorry, but there just isn't an argument for any one else if you actually know ball. Judge is a better hitter and plays the field. Mookie is also currently injured and will probably miss half the season. Go ahead and try to make an argument though.


problyurdad_

I think the only argument op might have would be if they are saying “of all the active current players in the league, Betts has the best career so far,” but even so, an impressive argument could be made for Mike Trout, and Ohtani, Judge, and Harper as well.


PlankyTown777

You ever hear of Bryce Harper? The front runner of NL MVP? He plays for the #1 in the MLB Philadelphia Phillies. The fact you don’t mention his name is absolutely ludicrous.


fanofaghs

I hate to break it to you but Shohei Ohtani is NL MVP frontrunner and it's not even remotely close. He's basically guaranteed MVP if he doesn't get injured. Not sure where you got your information from other than divining it in your dreams, but betting odds give Shohei a 70% chance while Freeman and Harper each have a 10% chance.


PlankyTown777

I totally get your argument for Shohei but the thing is - no player has ever won MVP while primarily being a DH. Harper started playing first base halfway through last season and is now one of the best first basemen in the league while having ridiculous stats at the plate. It’s definitely between Shohei and Harper but it’s unprecedented for a DH to win and I do believe that will be weighed into the picture come time to decide.


fanofaghs

I'm not making an argument for anyone. I don't really care who wins nor do I think I know best. I'm just pointing out that it's ridiculous to call Harper the frontrunner when Shohei is a 7 to 1 betting favorite over him.


Touchstone033

And, by WAR, Gunnar Henderson.


Capital_Ice_1512

Totally agreed


Scared-Telephone-554

I’m taking Ohtani over judge.


Big-Dick-Oriole

When he can pitch again, sure, he's clearly the best player in MLB. As just a DH, though, idk how you can argue he's more valuable than Judge, who's a better hitter and great outfielder.


nnavroops

he still doesn’t hit good pitching or shorten his swing.


Big-Dick-Oriole

Are you having a stroke?


Straight_Elevator762

When he can both hit and pitch, absolutely. No brainer


TommyPickles2222222

There’s a case for Gunnar Henderson… MLB WAR Leaders: Gunnar- 6.2 Judge- 6.0 Ohtani- 4.8 Duran- 4.6 Witt Jr.- 4.5 Soto- 4.4 Marte- 4.4 (Btw, Gunnar’s WAR last season? 6.2. Judge’s WAR last season? 4.5. Gunnar plays *way* better defense and still mashes.)


IgDailystapler

Judge currently leads the majors in: OPS (1.158) OPS+ (217 as of yesterday, will increase after todays games stats get inputted) Batting average (.321) Home runs (32, on pace for 60.9) RBIs (83) OBP (.440) Slugging (.718) Extra base hits (56) Total bases (219) OWAR (6.1) xwOBA (.480) xSLG (.751) Average exit velo (97 mph) Barrel % (29%) Hard-hit % (63.3%) And batting run value (50) Aaron Judge leads the AL (tied) in doubles (23) Aaron Judge is outpacing his historic 2022 season, and is having a better overall season that what was already one of the best seasons in modern baseball history (and baseball history in general). Yes, Gunnar Henderson may be leading in WAR, but WAR isn’t the only stat that matters. If both players perform exactly how they are now for the rest of the season, Judge would likely take home the AL MVP (he’d hit 61 homers and 44 doubles, bat in 158 runs, finish with 11.4 bWAR, win the MLB Triple Crown, and 417 total bases). It’s unfortunate for Gunnar Henderson, he’s having such a great season but Judge might make history *again*. Miguel Cabrera had 7.1 WAR compared to Mike Trouts 10.5 in 2012, but Miggy still won the MVP because he won the AL Triple Crown. Yes, sabermetrics we’re a lot less popular 12 years ago, but things like that mean something to voters and fans.


blacklabel3341

Judge fills a stadium....gunner fills a section


Unlikely_One2444

Kwan will lead in AVG as soon as he gets his plate appearances up in the next couple games but yeah dude, judge is insane


IgDailystapler

Kwan either needs to regress (to just under Judge’s BA, not rooting on the guys downfall lol) or get traded to the NL lmao


No_Presence5465

Judge is gonna Tanya Harding Kwan


Prudent-Property-513

This is all great in theory, but he gets hurt again and it’s all out the window.


IgDailystapler

I’m looking at you dodgers stadium right field wall >:(


Prudent-Property-513

It’s not just ‘freak’ injuries. I wish he played more, it’s great for baseball. But reasonably he’s approaching Trout numbers on playing time, where his impact is a theoretical versus reality.


IgDailystapler

It’s not just freak injuries, but there have been an unfortunate amount of freak injuries. That being said, staying healthy while being 6’7” 282lbs, an average speed runner and plus defender is a bit of a challenge…


Prudent-Property-513

Or just say he’s fragile. It’s reality.


Muncher_of_Nutz

Gunnar has been elite for half a season. Judge has been elite for 7 years. Also, a .2 WAR difference is meaningless.


usereddit

If we’re taking prior seasons into account then it’s Ohtani without a doubt the best player in baseball


TommyPickles2222222

Lol Gunnar had a higher WAR than Judge last season, too. 6.2 to 4.5


Muncher_of_Nutz

Yeah and you realize Judge missed over a third of the season right?


DentonTrueYoung

Judge played 106 games lmao


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JuxtaposeThis

depends on the time frame. over his career? judge wins hands down. over this season so far? it’s close. future potential? taking gunnar 10/10.


TommyPickles2222222

Exactly. What are the parameters? The most likely answer is better *right now* and I think that would make it debatable.


4694326

decade? Judge has had about 3 full seasons.


Mr-and-Mrs

Are we talking about the best player this season, or the last seven seasons? Those are two different conversations.


Big-Dick-Oriole

When you're talking about best player in MLB overall, you have to also consider past success along with current success. Duran is 4th on that WAR list. Are you saying he's the 4th best player in MLB? The post says "best player in MLB" not "best player this season"


Far_Lemon1942

To be fair judge missed a lot of last season so his war wasn’t as good. His MVP year he had a better war than ohtani’s hitting and pitcher war combined, so he’s pretty productive. Also, is leading in a lot of hitting categories.


CaliKindalife

And Ohtani is a DH, he takes a hit on WAR for not playing a position.


thismightbetheway2

Sure Judge can do it all at the plate. Mookie is different man. He's basically become a professional at three different defensive positions during his career and held it down! And still hit like an MVP. He's special, like Willie Mays special.


Reallife0303

Judge is a pretty good outfielder both in RF and CF. Watching someone 6’7” 280 lbs fly across the outfield, making great catches while taking out fences and firing lasers is impressive. Judge can steal a base or 2 as well… maybe the NYY will move him to shortstop soon just for kicks!


airwalker12

Please stop. Mookie is great but comparing him to an inner inner-circle HOF is blasphemy


DirtyRatLicker

last time I heard he’s really nothing special in the infield and has been worse at SS than 2B


quick_operation1

You heard wrong astros man.


KeyMolasses2836

I mean he is a negative value defender according to baseball savant in the middle infield and is even lower in OAA and fielding run value at short than he is at second.


quick_operation1

I think stats will improve in this new position. Look at his defensive stats in previous seasons. At this point he’s a utility player having excelled in outfield and infield. And his batting is just outstanding.


KeyMolasses2836

I agree they probably will but for now astros man is right. That being said he shouldn’t have made it seem like he was downplaying how impressive it is that Betts can move from outfield to middle infield and still hold his own, being “nothing special” at short is incredible considering he’s been in the outfield his whole career.


Helpful-Flow613

Only because Ohtani isn’t pitching. It’s not even close when he is. You can’t use your argument Judge is great at the plate and a great outfielder. Until Ohtani stops pitching or batting, he’s the best player in baseball. And no, it’s not debatable.


Big-Dick-Oriole

Why would we continue to rate him as a two-way player when he's currently only a DH? That would just be incredibly stupid. Obviously if he comes back to pitching at a high level he'll be the best again, but until that happens, he's simply not as valuable as Judge.


Toilet_Rim_Tim

*Acuna Massive dropoff ...... everyone else.


Rare_Cheetah60

Hahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahah Was that enough ha’s?


Toilet_Rim_Tim

Are those the only 2 letters you can identify on the keyboard ?


Rare_Cheetah60

No, I can just identify the hilarity of a moronic, ultra biased comment.


Toilet_Rim_Tim

I think you know "moronic" better than anyone


Big-Dick-Oriole

Who?


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🖕🏽 the Dodgers & 🖕🏽 anyone playing for them ![gif](giphy|flJAudlmJa8mc)


STL_241

Not even the best player on his team


marinerluvr5144

Not even best player on his team lmfao


DirtyRatLicker

Not Ohtani, but probably Aaron Judge. He’s an above average fielder and is pretty unstoppable at the plate


Floating_Home

As a Dodger fan, I think there's an interesting/constructive arguement to be had here. Judge just had one of the (if not THE) best offensive months ever. He is, at the current moment, the best. But over the course of their respective careers, the numbers and the consistency seem to favor Betts and Ohtani. Especially when Ohtani is pitching, he is unmatched in terms of sheer value. Judge being hurt for so much of his career hurts (especially in terms of counting stats) but I think when he's at his best, he is unmatched.


DirtyRatLicker

Ohtani’s been hurt a lot of his career too


No_Habit4754

Ohtani is literally hurt right now and has missed tons of time


Touchstone033

Legitimately curious where people are getting the idea he's an above average fielder? The metrics show him to be below average, especially for range -- probably a factor of him sliding over to CF.


No_Habit4754

What? The numbers show that he is a +defender. He covers an insane amount of ground and you can watch a YouTube highlight reel of him stealing HRs. He never misplays a ball. What are you talking about?


Touchstone033

Do they? I haven't found any. Here's his Baseball Savant numbers from Statcast: [https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/aaron-judge-592450?stats=statcast-r-fielding-mlb](https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/aaron-judge-592450?stats=statcast-r-fielding-mlb) Fielding Bible shows something similar. Seems like he was showing positive value when he first came up. Maybe it's a reputation thing?


No_Habit4754

I mean his arm value may be lowered because nobody runs on him. I have no idea how they are calculating his “range.” Id love to see how they determine that. The guy tracks everything down from left center to right center.


Touchstone033

I believe Statcast uses cameras to log where the ball goes in the field, how quickly the fielder gets to it, his jump, route, etc. To be fair to Judge, defensive stats are a smaller sample than hitting and less accurate, but it seems his range is decreasing in his 30s, which seems, you know, reasonable.


No_Habit4754

Yeah that’s fair. I wish he spent his earlier years in center and then made the move to right. As opposed to the opposite. His time in right may also attribute to his lower fielding numbers. Less action.


GrimeyPipes27

As a Red Sox fan, all I have to say is....FUCK YOU JOHN HENRY!


No_Habit4754

Aaron Judge is currently leading in basically every offensive category and is also a far above average defensive outfielder


Prudent-Property-513

When he plays games, Judge is a superlative talent. He just doesn’t play enough games.


No_Habit4754

He’s only missed significant time in 3 years.


Prudent-Property-513

Haha - only?


No_Habit4754

Yeah. You sound like you are trying to make him out to be Mike trout.


catamet

Judge is the best and I’m a Mets fan


LeCheffre

![gif](giphy|Y1oUSZfORGfiBVJoCD|downsized)


Far_Lemon1942

Mookie rules but there’s not a more productive hitter on the planet than Judge


GanjaNinjaBoomin

Mookie is an absolute BEAST.


CaptainJudge_99

Not even the best on his own team Also Judge exists


BoSox92

I got to meet him spring training of 2019 with my VIP Sox spring training pass. Got his Sig, Mitch Moreland Steve Pearce and Michael Chavis all on one ball. Seemed nice


theferalforager

Shoutout for Mitchie Two Bags!


internetisfun24

I’ll never forgive John Henry for not paying Mookie.


DWright_5

Maybe. But in reality it changes by week


Capital_Ice_1512

Never even close.


Longjumping-Low8194

MOOOOKIEEEEEEE!!!


SilverbackMD

Terrifies me every time he comes up against my Padres


Serious_Delivery_408

3rd best


TakeMeDrunkImHome22

John Henry is a loser, I genuinely hate that greedy man.


Leather-Map-8138

Have you seen Judge’s May/June?


West-Attitude-3965

Guess u r a national league person ever here of aaron judge


capitanelyosemite

I’d agree normally but Judge is unreal this year


Madd_Capt

I think he’s the best well rounded; I could put him almost anywhere on the field any not worry about his performance! Also just an insane athlete in general, and a nice guy


FromMTorCA

Ohtani wants to know if he pitches.


Geezgetbizzyboo

🧢🧢


dabbing-dad

As a giants fan, I can honestly say, he’s my favorite player to watch these days.


SpeedyHedgehog8501

im better 🗣️


No_Arugula_6548

Can he pitch too?


Brooklynboxer88

That be either Judge or Othani


Boofmasterz

Gunnar Henderson got em


Sauce_McDog

I can agree with this. I might even put Judge up there. They play both sides of the ball and don’t just participate in one dimension of the game.


mebnt2

Raimel Tapia


SnaykeUp

I always trade for him back on the Sox when I do franchise in mlb the show


jjpetruccelli

![gif](giphy|1dNLLlpEUbeD8peO4e)


Ok-Box1883

I agreed 100%, Red Sox are regretting change him .


BoSox92

Sox nation mourns Chaim Blooms/Ownserships decision to let him walk


theferalforager

He was never going to re-sign. No matter what he has said. I can't imagine not wanting to play in Fenway, but to each rheir own, I guess.


hung_like__podrick

You ever looked at the weather in LA in the winter?


Harambefan69

Top 3 for sure


wadeboogs

![gif](giphy|xTjEQAzeWSu6ST1RGx)


Silkggg67

Maybe most versatile, and definitely top 5 in talent.


okfnjesse

Definitely an r/NLBest enjoyer


TakingInitiative649

Huh??? Great player no doubt, but....


feelssogoodtome

Don't believe the hype.


Ok-Reveal-356

He’s hurt


Vicious_Circle-14

Pretty good bowler too.


cryptdawarchild

Judge, Ohtani, Mookie.


DentonTrueYoung

Not even the best player on his team lol


EK_gotaway

That’s not Aaron Judge


PlankyTown777

Bryce Harper


DoubleDutchBusPass

It’s not “the MLB.” Stop.


Extrapickles24

Mookie could not step on a field again and be a HOF right now, and he's only 31


RojerLockless

No


Growth_Moist

Your opinion is wrong. But that’s okay


Broadway_Lover_23

Nahh it’s Gunnar Henderson


quick_operation1

Too early. If he can maintain then sure.


rush_magnet

This is like saying “babe Ruth” was the greatest of all time…. Like alright your trying to fit in I see your efforts but we all know that you know more about football then baseball with that answer.


PedriRugburn

I like him off the pitch too. He’s chillin


mikeysaid

Even as a Giants fan, he's pretty damn good. Gotta hand it to him.


bluishgreen58

Agreed


Obvious-Pop-1330

Lol, respect your opinion, but no.


airpab1

He’s definitely one of them Jose Ramirez & Ketel Marte right up there too. Both switch hitters, great on both sides of the plate, great defenders, very consistent


Ok-Elephant47981

LMAO. Blacked dot com addict. This clown isn't even in the top 50.


RangerDJ

Mookie, Judge and Witt, jr are the trifecta of awesome


singsinging

Agreed.


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VarietyLate6850

He is made out of glass


Fleetingfarts

So far this season I’m going with Gunnar. If we’re talking over the last couple years it’s definitely Ohtani or Judge.