Kurkjian did say it would be a legitimate season and would count. There will be a legitimate champion. And if Albert Pujols passes Willie Mays for career home runs, then Mays moves down a notch. (Pujols is only 4 HR behind.)
But if, say, Jeff McNeil hits .400, or Jake deGrom posts an ERA below 1.12, that would not and should count as a legitimate record...