Shohei Ohtani’s tenure as a designated hitter with the Los Angeles Dodgers has elevated his career to new heights.
As a standout two-way star, Ohtani has emerged as a pivotal figure in propelling his team through numerous critical games, shining brightly as one of their most dependable and spectacular players.
Amidst Ohtani’s continued success, there is a palpable buzz among Dodgers fans who are rooting for him to clinch the NL MVP award this season. However, the path to this prestigious accolade is fraught with challenges. Not only does Ohtani need to garner a substantial number of votes, but he must also outperform his formidable rivals in the league.
While there is optimism about his chances, it’s important to recognize that no full-time designated hitter has ever won the MLB MVP award.
This season, Ohtani’s role is primarily as a designated hitter, without taking on pitching duties, which could potentially diminish his likelihood of securing the MVP, given the historical voting trends and perceptions within the baseball community.
Moreover, there’s a notable split in opinion among fans and analysts regarding the eligibility of a designated hitter for the MVP award.
Prominent sports analyst Michael Wilbon has openly expressed his reluctance to support a designated hitter for MVP, citing the limitations of playing only one aspect of the game. “I wouldn’t do it… so ill-advised. You can’t play half the game and be MVP. Listen, as great as Shohei is—and he’s great—I’m not voting for a DH to win MVP,” Wilbon articulated, emphasizing his stance.
RELATED: Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar Shohei Ohtani’s Former Interpreter Lands New Job Ahead of Sentencing
Contrastingly, Frank Isola, Wilbon’s co-host, holds a different view. He argues for Ohtani’s MVP potential, especially under certain achievements. “If Shohei wins the triple crown and he could, I’d vote for him. If Dennis Eckersley could be an MVP as a reliever, Shohei Ohtani could be an MVP as a DH, come on!” Isola countered, suggesting that exceptional performance could and should be recognized regardless of the player’s specific role.
Despite the debates, Ohtani’s performance metrics are undeniably impressive.
After overcoming a slow start to the season, his consistent excellence has propelled him to the top of the Dodgers’ stats. Ohtani leads the team with 26 home runs and maintains a robust .316 batting average along with a .399 on-base percentage (OBP).
He also boasts a team-leading 1.034 OPS, having made 323 appearances at the plate, driving in 67 runs, and recording 62 RBIs.
Ohtani’s remarkable statistics not only demonstrate his crucial role in the Dodgers’ lineup but also position him as a strong contender to possibly become the first full-time designated hitter in MLB history to win the MVP award.
His journey through the season remains a focal point of discussion and anticipation for baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike.