NEW YORK — As the baseball community anticipates the announcement of this year’s Most Valuable Player Awards, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, who are poised to receive top honors in their respective leagues. The awards, set to be unveiled on Thursday, could mark significant achievements in both players’ careers.
Shohei Ohtani, who switched from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers following a precedent-setting contract, is expected to clinch his first National League MVP Award. This follows his historic wins as the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher this year due to elbow surgery, Ohtani’s performance as a designated hitter was nothing short of spectacular. He impressed with a batting average of .310, 54 home runs, and 130 RBIs, not to mention his 59 stolen bases.
Ohtani’s remarkable season included becoming the first player to ever achieve over 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His contributions were crucial in leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship, even as he competed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder during the final games.
Should he win, Ohtani would be the first primary designated hitter to receive an MVP award, and he would join the rarified air of players like Frank Robinson who have won MVP honors in both the American and National Leagues.
Another notable candidate for an MVP award is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, the powerhouse hitter who is likely to secure his second AL MVP title. Judge led major league baseball with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and 133 walks, showcasing a stellar .322 batting average.
In the National League, aside from Ohtani, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte were also top contenders based on their impressive seasons. Similarly, in the American League, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto stood out in the race, with Witt leading the league with a .332 batting average.
It’s important to note that all balloting for the MVP awards was concluded before the postseason commenced, ensuring that regular-season performances were the sole focus.
This year’s MVP recognition not only highlights the individual brilliance of players like Ohtani and Judge but also underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport, where new records and standards are continually being set.
Should Ohtani secure his third MVP title, he will join an elite group of 12 players who have achieved this milestone, a testament to his extraordinary skills and impact on the game.
Such achievements resonate beyond statistics, capturing the imagination of fans and elevating the stature of the sport. As baseball continues to evolve, the performances of these players will be remembered as defining moments of the era.
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