Los Angeles Dodgers Designated Hitter Shohei Ohtani continued making history as he won his third MVP Award earlier tonight. Ohtani’s accolades as a ballplayer are too numerous to count. He is second all-time with three MVP Awards, the first player with three unanimous MVP Awards since voting began nearly a century ago, the first full-time DH to win MVP, and joined Frank Robinson as the only other player in league history to win an MVP in both leagues.
Ohtani previously won the American League MVP with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2023. He won back-to-back MVP Awards after signing a 10-year $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the offseason. Ohtani was one of the driving forces behind the Dodgers winning the 2024 World Series over the New York Yankees in five games. Will he be able to play just as well in 2025 with a returning to the bump in the cards for next season?
Shohei Ohtani Season Summary
There have been 23 unanimous MVPs awarded (since BBWAA began voting in 1931), including 2021, ‘23 & ’24 Ohtani
He’s the only player with multiple unanimous MVPs https://t.co/PHux59LoSS
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 22, 2024
Ohtani put forth one of the best season in MLB history in 2024. He was the first player in league history to have 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. He finished with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases during the regular season. The Dodgers star finished fifth in the league in batting average, second in home runs, second in RBI, fifth in OBP, second in Slugging Percentage, second in OPS, and third in WAR.
He finished behind New York Yankees Center Fielder Aaron Judge in a variety of categories. Judge capped off a great regular season in his own right as he won his second AL MVP Award earlier this evening.
Final Thoughts
Ohtani is already one of the best players in MLB history, and as his trophy case grows, his case for being the GOAT grows by the season. His teammate Mookie Betts believes the Los Angeles Dodgers are at the beginning of a historic run of success. Los Angeles has built a contender, and with Ohtani leading the team, Betts may not be exaggerating.
The Japanese sensation continues to rewrite the history books, and take the breath of baseball fans already. Ohtani is already one of the game’s most popular players as his play has grown the game of baseball exponentially in his home country of Japan. This has put him on a trajectory only a few players in Major League Baseball history have traveled.
