Ohtani an MVP finalist after historic campaign
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LOS ANGELES -- Finalists for the four major BBWAA Awards were announced on MLB Network on Monday, and as expected, the Dodgers were represented by Shohei Ohtani.
After putting together one of the best individual seasons in MLB history, it’s no surprise that Ohtani is one of the three finalists for the National League Most Valuable Player Award, which is given to the best overall player in each league.
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By being named a finalist, Ohtani secured at least a top-three finish in the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting for the second consecutive season. After winning in 2021 and '23 with the Angels, Ohtani is trying to become just the second player to win MVP Awards in both leagues (Frank Robinson, 1961 with Cincinnati and '66 with Baltimore) and the first to do it in back-to-back years.
Just by looking at the numbers, it’s clear to see why Ohtani is the favorite to win his third MVP Award, likely unanimously. Despite being a designated hitter, Ohtani led the NL with 9.2 bWAR. He also led the league in runs scored, homers, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. Ohtani inspired additional awe when he became the first player in Major League history to hit 50 or more homers and record 50 or more stolen bases in the same season.
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No sole designated hitter has won the MVP Award (Ohtani also pitched in his other two MVP seasons). But no player is quite like Ohtani.
Coming into the 2024 season, perhaps no other MLB player was under as much pressure as Ohtani. He had just signed a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers in the offseason, the largest deal in North American sports history.
All eyes were on Ohtani to perform. Not to mention, Ohtani was also rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgery all season, often throwing bullpen sessions and playing catch before games. That didn’t stop him from playing in 159 games in 2024 and establishing himself as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter amidst a flurry of injuries.
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In order to capture his third MVP Award, Ohtani will have to beat out Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte, who were also named finalists on Monday. The winner will be announced on Nov. 21 on MLB Network at 3 p.m. PT.