LOS ANGELES — Finalists for the 4 main BBWAA Awards have been introduced on MLB Community on Monday, and as anticipated, the Dodgers have been represented by Shohei Ohtani.
After placing collectively probably the greatest particular person seasons in MLB historical past, it’s no shock that Ohtani is among the three finalists for the Nationwide League Most Invaluable Participant Award, which is given to the perfect general participant in every league.
By being named a finalist, Ohtani secured at the very least a top-three end within the Baseball Writers’ Affiliation of America voting for the second consecutive season. After successful in 2021 and ’23 with the Angels, Ohtani is attempting to turn into simply the second participant to win MVP Awards in each leagues (Frank Robinson, 1961 with Cincinnati and ’66 with Baltimore) and the primary to do it in back-to-back years.
Simply by trying on the numbers, it’s clear to see why Ohtani is the favourite to win his third MVP Award, possible unanimously. Regardless of being a chosen hitter, Ohtani led the NL with 9.2 bWAR. He additionally led the league in runs scored, homers, RBIs, on-base share, slugging share and OPS. Ohtani impressed further awe when he grew to become the primary participant in Main League historical past to hit 50 or extra homers and document 50 or extra stolen bases in the identical season.
No sole designated hitter has gained the MVP Award (Ohtani additionally pitched in his different two MVP seasons). However no participant is sort of like Ohtani.
All eyes have been on Ohtani to carry out. To not point out, Ohtani was additionally rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgical procedure all season, usually throwing bullpen periods and enjoying catch earlier than video games. That didn’t cease him from enjoying in 159 video games in 2024 and establishing himself because the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter amidst a flurry of accidents.
In an effort to seize his third MVP Award, Ohtani must beat out Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte, who have been additionally named finalists on Monday. The winner will probably be introduced on Nov. 21 on MLB Community at 3 p.m. PT.
