New York Yankees: Jose Altuve Picks Aaron Judge As The AL MVP
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 13: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on prior to game one of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Jose Altuve may be New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge‘s enemy this series, but he had some praise for the slugger before tonight’s ALCS. 

The American League MVP talk has captivated many over the last couple months and one candidate made his pick on Friday night.

According to AP News, Jose Altuve said before Game 1 prior to Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, he would vote for Aaron Judge if he had to.



Judge led the AL with 128 runs scored (second in MLB), 52 home runs (second MLB) and 127 walks (second in MLB) and ranked second with 114 RBI’s (sixth in MLB), a .422 OBP (third in MLB) and .627 slugging percentage (second in MLB). He also led the Majors with an 8.2 FanGraphs WAR, the highest by a Yankee since Alex Rodriguez‘s MVP in 2007 (9.6).

On the other hand, Altuve led the Majors with a .346 batting average during the regular season, his 204 hits were most in the AL, he finished third in the AL with 32 stolen bases and his 112 runs scored ranked second behind Judge.

Other candidates include Mike Trout, Jose Ramirez, Corey Kluber and Chris Sale, but it’s apparent that either Altuve or Judge will take home the award.

Additionally, it’s clear that the MVP race has been placed on the backburner as both candidates look to advance their team to the World Series.