Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani surpasses Yankees’ Aaron Judge in key stat after Freeway and Subway series games

The New York Yankees, led by Aaron Judge, are making a strong case to be the team to beat for Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Judge has been outstanding, ranking among the league leaders in several key offensive categories, fueling hope among Yankees fans that another World Series run may be on the horizon.

Ohtani has also been a standout performer this season. His impressive numbers, and the fact that he’s currently leading Judge in a major offensive stat, are giving Dodgers fans every reason to believe their team is in serious contention for the 2025 title.

The Freeway and Subway Series both kicked off on Friday, but offered contrasting atmospheres. In Los Angeles, Dodgers fans turned out in full force to support their team. Meanwhile in New York, the mood was more complicated. Yankees fans had mixed reactions to Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium, and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza even addressed the situation publicly.

With high expectations surrounding both series, fans were treated to thrilling matchups. The headline moment came when Ohtani edged past Judge with his 16th home run of the regular season.

Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees.

Home runs remain one of baseball’s most crucial stats, alongside runs and RBIs. Ohtani’s 16 homers have played a key role in the Dodgers’ success, while Judge’s 15 have helped the Yankees stay ahead of their opponents when it matters most.

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Ohtani on pace for another 50-50 season

The reigning 2024 regular-season MVP is off to a strong start in 2025, chasing the remarkable 50-home run, 50-stolen base mark he reached last year. With 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases through 44 games, Ohtani appears poised to make history once again.

In 2024, Ohtani hit 54 home runs and swiped 59 bases during his first season with the Dodgers, appearing in 159 games. At this point last year, he had 10 home runs, putting him ahead of schedule in 2025 and potentially on track for an even bigger season.

Ohtani also dominating other key categories

Ohtani currently leads all of Major League Baseball in home runs and has already scored 49 runs, seven more than Judge. While Ohtani is ahead in runs and homers, Judge holds the edge in batting average (.402) and slugging percentage (.753), leading in both categories.