EWB Best Season Tournament: (2) 2017 Aaron Judge vs. (31) 2013 Sheldon Richardson

The next matchup of the Empire Writes Back best seasons of the 2010’s tournament features the 2 seed, 2017 Aaron Judge, going against the the 31st seeded 2013 Sheldon Richardson.

The Empire Writes Back best seasons tournament continues as (2) 2017 Aaron Judge squares off against (31) 2013 Sheldon Richardson in a matchup of impressive rookie seasons.

Let’s start with Richardson’s 2013 season with the New York Jets.

The Jets drafted the Missouri product 13th overall in that year’s draft, a pick they got from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Darrelle Revis trade.

Expectations were high for Richardson entering his rookie year, and boy did he ever answer the call.He finished the season with 77 tackles, 12 of which were for a loss, to go along with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 16 games (15 started). Richardson’s impressive rookie season netted him the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, beating out Kiko Alonso of the Buffalo Bills.

People usually look at sack numbers to determine a good season for a defensive lineman, so people may disagree with the fact that he won the DPOY. However, don’t be fooled by his low sack total that season.

Richardson was a key cog in the Jets defense, especially in stopping the run with those 12 tackles for loss.

He isn’t the only rookie sensation in this matchup, however.

The year Aaron Judge put together for the New York Yankees in 2017 was sensational.That season, Judge hit an American League-leading 52 home runs to go along with 114 RBI’s and a slash line of .284/.4.22/.627 in 155 games. Judge also led the AL in runs with 128 and walks with 127.

All of these stats amassed to a whopping 8.1 WAR.

Judge also did well during the 2017 MLB award season, winning Rookie of the Year and a Silver Slugger award, while finishing in 2nd place in the AL MVP voting behind Jose Altuve.

While Richardson put together a fine season for the Jets in 2013, Judge had arguably the best rookie season in MLB history. And that is why he wins this matchup for me.

Whether you agree with me or not be sure to vote on our Twitter, @empirewritesbck, and drop a comment with you think should win this matchup.

Also, stay on the lookout for our upcoming matches, which are released at 8 a.m every day of the tournament.

Until then, be sure to check out other articles from my wonderful colleagues here at Empire Writes Back.