Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — Hour 3: Judge v Ohtani (October 28, 2025)

Episode Overview

This hour centers on one of baseball’s hottest debates: Who is the best player in MLB right now, Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge? Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Don La Greca passionately discuss the extraordinary feats of Ohtani and Judge, exploring criteria from statistics to intangibles. The debate is fueled by Ohtani’s historic World Series performance just hours earlier, but the hosts give Judge his due as a consistent powerhouse. Callers join in and the team ranges widely across topics like postseason narratives, MVP voting, and even the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Knicks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recapping an Epic World Series Game (00:44–03:55)

• Alan Hahn opens by praising the previous night’s World Series game: from Freeman’s walk-off to Kershaw’s dramatic relief and Springer's injury. However, Shohei Ohtani “was in the center of it all”—two home runs, two doubles, on base nine times, and walked five times intentionally.
  • “It was great. But in the center of it all was a performance for the ages by Shohei Ohtani...” (01:51, Hahn)
• Ohtani’s dual-threat status (hitting and pitching in the World Series on consecutive nights) put the spotlight on his place among all-time great performances.

2. Setting the Debate: Ohtani vs. Judge (03:55–05:03)

• Peter Rosenberg frames the central question: “Is it Shohei Ohtani, or are you wrong?” (03:55, Rosenberg, jokingly)
• The hosts set criteria: should “unique skillset” be factored? Is it about offensive numbers, postseason impact, or something more holistic?

3. The Judge Side — Consistency, Hitting, and Defense (05:03–07:45)

• Don La Greca and Hahn argue Judge’s case:
  • Batting around 50 points higher than Ohtani this year.
  • “He’s out there pretty much every day where Ohtani is a DH on the days he’s not pitching.” (06:11, La Greca)
  • Judge's defensive value, and consistent presence, are highlighted.
• Rosenberg concedes Judge’s all-around impact but maintains Ohtani’s uniqueness is historic.
  • “Ohtani gets punished because he's such a unicorn... That shouldn't be. He shouldn't lose points.” (04:25, Rosenberg)

4. The Ohtani Argument — Uniqueness and Playoff Heroics (04:48–07:45)

• Ohtani is a “three-time MVP,” potentially going for a second World Series. Rosenberg argues that even diehard Yankee fans would swap Judge’s postseason resume for what Ohtani’s doing.
• The discussion turns to WAR (Wins Above Replacement), with Judge winning out for now, but the hosts admit: Ohtani may well overtake if he continues this World Series heroics.

5. The “Availability” Factor (08:05–09:58)

• Hahn: “Your best ability? Availability.” (08:32, Hahn)
• Both Judge and Ohtani have injury histories, but Judge’s relative durability in recent years gives him a slight edge for some; though Ohtani’s overall games played isn't far behind.
• “Ohtani is probably the most fascinating player in the sport. ...But right now, Judge is still the best player.” (08:34–09:56, Hahn)

6. Projecting the Future (11:05–14:35)

• Who would you pick for the next three to five years?
  • Arguments for Ohtani: Younger arm post-Tommy John, value as a pitcher, outsized global impact.
  • Counterpoint: Physical toll of pitching and hitting may affect Ohtani’s longevity; Judge’s massive frame also has its risks.
  • “Is there not a greater chance that he [Ohtani] could break down because of that?” (11:52, Hahn)
• The panel concludes both Judge and Ohtani have similar recent availability; debate remains unsettled.

7. Playoff Performance and Legacy (15:04–16:41)

• Postseason success looms large; despite Judge’s talent, lack of a title colors the conversation.
  • “If he [Ohtani] gives you a pitching performance back-to-back … then, yes, I will yield the floor.” (10:35 & 16:41, Hahn)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Ohtani as “Unicorn” and the Postseason

• “Ohtani gets punished because he’s such a unicorn … That shouldn’t be. He shouldn’t lose points.” (04:25, Peter Rosenberg)
• “If he gives you a pitching performance back-to-back … I will have to change my opinion. You’re right.” (10:35, Alan Hahn)

Judge’s Case

• “Best right-handed hitter I’ve ever seen.” (07:10, Don La Greca)
• “Judge is still the best player … Ohtani, however, is having the playoffs that can change that conversation quickly.” (09:56, Alan Hahn)

The Availability Argument

• “Your best ability? Availability.” (08:32, Alan Hahn)
• “[Ohtani's] generally available. Yes, he lost the Tommy John thing obviously … Judge … they’re similar in terms of availability.” (13:12–13:44, Peter Rosenberg)

A Player for the Next Era?

• “If you’re going to bet who the better player is going to be over the next five years, who would you bet on?” (11:26, Alan Hahn)

Callers on MVP & Greatness (18:25–23:11)

• Tony (caller): “Can’t both be true? … Aaron Judge is more valuable to the Yankees than Shohei is to the Dodgers. But, … can't [Ohtani] be a better player right now?” (21:19–21:55)
• “If he does it again, I don’t know if you can argue it.” (22:30, Tony/Caller on Ohtani producing)

Freddie Freeman on Ohtani (Real-life perspective)

• “Weird how the game works sometimes, right? Shohei’s game … our starting pitcher tomorrow got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible.” (17:46–18:08, Freddie Freeman)

Audience Interaction & Wider Debate (18:25–32:23)

• Callers expand the debate to other stars (Acuna Jr.), MVP criteria (best versus most valuable), and baseball’s need for stars like Ohtani and Judge.
• Insights into the challenge of MVP voting when legendary performances are so different in kind (e.g., a switch-hitting catcher like Cal Raleigh is mentioned as an emerging star).
• The increasing importance of postseason performance and media ratings.

Future of the Yankees and Dodgers, and Organizational Philosophies (35:44–38:56)

• The panel discusses the Yankees’ playoff drought, organizational philosophies, and the consistency of teams like the Dodgers, suggesting LA has found the “secret sauce.”
• “The Dodgers blow up the Yankee spot here ... they're showing you that you can build for the regular season and carry that over to the playoffs.” (36:16–37:33, La Greca)

NBA/Knicks & Free Agency Rumors (44:31–50:33)

• Briefly, the conversation pivots to the Knicks, Giannis rumors, and NBA media rights, with Alan Hahn explaining the contract mechanics and trade rumors with depth.
  • “Here’s why he said six to seven months: That’s the end of the season … you can’t trade him in season, it’s too complicated. … These are off-season type trades.” (46:49–48:39, Hahn)

Music, Culture, Humor, and Sign-offs (25:20–44:32, 51:32–end)

• The hour is peppered with banter about music, classic sports broadcasting, and inside jokes, keeping an energetic, New York-flavored tone.
  • Discussing theme songs—“Winning” by Santana as their new celebratory anthem. (42:44–43:56)
• Lighthearted teasing, cultural references (“That’s when men were men and sheep were nervous…” 29:01–29:12), and callbacks to classic local broadcasting rounds out the show’s camaraderie.

Key Timestamps

• 00:44 – Opening of epic World Series/Ohtani setup
• 03:55 – The Ohtani vs. Judge best player debate begins
• 05:03 – Defensive/multiplayer value for Judge; uniqueness for Ohtani
• 08:32 – “Availability” and durability discussion
• 10:35 – Hahn’s key “pending” moment: “If Ohtani pitches tonight…”
• 18:08 – Freddie Freeman in awe of Ohtani
• 21:19 – Caller Tony’s take—Judge vs Ohtani, value vs. greatness
• 35:44 – Yankees/Dodgers organizational philosophy
• 44:31 – Knicks, Giannis, and the NBA trade/free agency segment

Conclusion

Judge v Ohtani isn’t just a stats debate—it’s a battle of modern baseball’s definition of greatness. Ohtani’s historic dual-threat magic is re-shaping the narrative, but Judge’s day-in-day-out dominance keeps him in the conversation, at least pending Ohtani’s every next legendary moment. The hosts—and their callers—capture the tension, respect, and awe that comes with watching two generational talents define a sport in real time.

Definitive Winner? Not yet. As Hahn summarizes:

“That can change tonight…if [Ohtani] gives you a great pitching performance … I will have to change my opinion.” (10:35, Alan Hahn)

For anyone who missed the show—this hour was one for the ages, just like the stars they debated.