On November 21, 2024, Shohei Ohtani, the superstar of Major League Baseball, added another feather to his already illustrious cap by winning his third MVP award. Competing as the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani was not just any MVP; he was the unanimous choice for the National League's top honor, marking him as the first designated hitter to achieve this prestigious accolade. This feat is as remarkable as it is historic, as he has now become only the second player ever, alongside the legendary Frank Robinson, to win MVP awards from both the National and American Leagues.
This latest MVP title is not merely another trophy for Ohtani but is indicative of his extraordinary performance this past season. Following two previous unanimous selections as the American League MVP during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani continues to set the bar incredibly high. His stellar figures only serve to highlight how exceptional his 2024 season was. He finished the year with remarkable stats: 54 home runs, 130 runs batted in (RBIs), and 134 runs scored—numbers placing him firmly atop the National League leaderboard.
Ohtani's 2024 season could be aptly classified as a "50-50 season," where he not only showcased his power at the plate but also his speed on the bases. Specifically, he mirrored the rare combination of achieving both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, something no player had ever done before. His 59 steals placed him second only to Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds, which displays his ability to capitalize on every opportunity whether he’s belting bombs over the outfield wall or sprinting to the next base.
Behind the sheer numbers, what becomes clear is Ohtani's significant improvement as the season progressed. Initially, he faced personal challenges, including recovery from shoulder surgery, which kept him off the mound for the entire season. This gave him the chance to focus wholeheartedly on his batting, and he certainly made the most of the opportunity. His batting average of .310 not only highlighted his skill but underscored his advantageous power-hitting prowess.
With the accolades piling up, it's clear Ohtani’s impact on the game transcends stats. His unique position as both pitcher and batter, though not utilized this season, sets him apart from his peers. Ohtani is the embodiment of what it means to be a two-way player, having showcased excellence on the mound previously, winning the unanimous MVP as both pitcher and hitter. His time with the Angels solidified him as one of the game’s greatest talents, and now, with the Dodgers, he has once again captured the spotlight.
The voting process for the 2024 MVP resulted in unanimous support for Ohtani, which demonstrates the respect he garners among his fellow players, coaches, and sportswriters. Every single one of the 30 voters from the Baseball Writers' Association of America placed Ohtani as their first choice. Such unanimous selection only adds to his legacy—as it emphasizes his extensive influence and dominance throughout the season.
Key stats from Ohtani this past year include not only the leaders mentioned above but also other impressive figures: he recorded 99 extra-base hits and rang up 411 total bases. His exceptional on-base percentage of .390 and slugging percentage of .646 indicate just how effective he was at putting balls in play and advancing himself and his teammates around the diamond. Remarkably, Ohtani achieved these numbers over 731 plate appearances, reinforcing his strong consistency and durability throughout the season.
Reflecting on this historic achievement, Ohtani's emergence is poised to inspire future generations of players and excite fans around the world. Following his announcement of the MVP win, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his teammates, coaches, and fans, noting, “It’s not just about me; this award belongs to everyone who has believed in me.” Such humility stands to highlight Ohtani's character, as he remains grounded, even at the pinnacle of individual success.
Looking forward, Ohtani’s performance will not only be closely watched but expected, as fans are eager to see what he will achieve next season. After having undergone elbow surgery last year, he focused solely on improving his batting and stealing bases; it is expected he will eventually reclaim his pitching role alongside this historic batting prowess. His ability to move between these two skill sets has already changed the dynamics of batting lineups.
Nonetheless, as Ohtani steps forward, one can't help but wonder how his influence will alter the course of baseball. Players like him who wield influence both on the field with performance, and off the field with their personalities and ability to resonate with fans, are rare. With MLB facing many challenges, including adapting to rule changes aimed at speeding up play and improving the overall viewing experience, Ohtani strengthens its draw as one of the game’s leading figures.
Ohtani's MVP win emerges during a transformative time for the sport. With the potential for more fan engagement and interest based on Ohtani’s electrifying play, future seasons show great promise. Across the league, teams are surely taking notes, recognizing the impact Ohtani has made which stretches far beyond traditional measures of success.
With all these elements considered, it’s accurate to suggest Shohei Ohtani isn’t just making history for himself; he’s helping to define modern baseball and all its possibilities. Through perseverance, dedication, and outstanding talent, his third MVP award is more than just recognition, it symbolizes evolution within the sport itself.
