Shohei Ohtani is quite the pioneer, having done it yet again! He won his third-straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, after a fantastic season where he belted a career-best 55 home runs. At 31 years old, the Japan native has long since established his bona fides as one of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball (MLB). He did lead the league with an impressive 146 runs, with a NL-high .622 slugging percentage and a remarkable 1.014 OPS in 158 games.
Ohtani’s incredible two-way performance with bat and arm rightfully won him the MVP award. His masterful artistry in fact led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series championship. His postseason performance was even more impressive, as he tacked on eight homers in only 17 games played. This accomplishment leaves him just three MVP awards behind Barry Bonds for the all-time most MVP’s in MLB history.
What a historic 2023 MVP race it was! Ohtani and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees made history this year by becoming the first player duo to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons. Judge has reflected on the historical weight of what they accomplished, saying,
“You try not to think about it during the season. I try to keep my head down through all 162 and do whatever I can in today’s game to help our team win.” – Aaron Judge
Through all of this, Ohtani’s multifaceted skills kept showing up, well beyond his hitting abilities. He had electric stuff, earning a 1-1 record while compiling a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts. Coming back from an 18-month hiatus from pitching, he emerged from the bullpen re-energized. He still punched out 62 hitters and walked just nine in only 47 innings.
No wonder for the announcement of Ohtani’s MVP award that generated the most acclaim. He swept the vote with all 30 first-place votes, an expected subtext highlighting his undeniable dominance in the league. His ability to excel both as a hitter and a pitcher sets him apart in modern baseball, making his achievements even more significant.
The 2023 season only further highlighted how unique of a talent Ohtani is and the resolve he has to continue growing and improving as a player. With four MVP awards in the last five years, he has established himself as one of the most formidable figures in MLB history, captivating fans and analysts alike.
