Shohei Ohtani is poised to secure his third Most Valuable Player Award, this time in the National League, while Aaron Judge is likely to clinch his second AL honor as the Baseball Writers' Association prepares to reveal its balloting results on Thursday.
Ohtani, who previously won the AL MVP unanimously in 2021 and 2023, was a standout two-way player for the Los Angeles Angels. In 2024, he took a break from pitching due to elbow surgery and signed a groundbreaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December. Despite not pitching, Ohtani excelled as a designated hitter in the NL, boasting a .310 batting average, 59 stolen bases, and leading the league with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs. Notably, he became the first player to achieve 50 or more homers and stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series victory, even competing in the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
If Ohtani secures the NL MVP title, he will make history as the first primary designated hitter to achieve this feat. Additionally, he will join the ranks of Frank Robinson as one of the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues, having previously won it in the AL.
Furthermore, Ohtani is set to become the 12th player in MLB history to win three or more MVP awards, joining legendary names such as Barry Bonds, Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, and others who have achieved this remarkable feat.
Other notable players in the MVP race include New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte in the NL, and Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto in the AL, who were among the top three contenders in their respective leagues.
The balloting process took place before the postseason, with Judge leading the majors in home runs, RBIs, and walks, while hitting an impressive .322. Witt topped the league with a .332 batting average, along with 32 homers and 109 RBIs, while Soto batted .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.
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