Since arriving inMajor League Baseball in 2018, Shohei Ohtani has rewritten what’s doable on a diamond. From dazzling pitching performances to jaw-dropping energy on the plate, he is been greater than only a player-he’s grow to be a phenomenon. But, even with an already historic profession, 2024 introduced a brand new chapter for Ohtani that solidified his place amongst baseball’s legends.
After signing a record-shattering $700 million take care of the Los Angeles Dodgers final offseason, expectations had been sky-high for the Japanese celebrity. Questions swirled about whether or not he might dwell as much as the billing, particularly as he recovered from a second main elbow surgical procedure. However Ohtani silenced any doubts in his first season sporting Dodger blue, delivering a efficiency that will likely be talked about for generations.
Shohei Ohtani thanks Dodger followers in English
On Thursday, Ohtani was named the Nationwide League’s Most Worthwhile Participant for the third time in his profession, and for the third time, the vote was unanimous. This exceptional achievement made him the primary participant in MLB historical past to be unanimously chosen MVP 3 times, and he joined an elite membership of gamers, like Frank Robinson, to win MVP honors in each leagues.
“This MVP, I am simply representing the Dodgers,”Ohtani humbly shared through the MLB Community announcement. “It was a whole crew effort. I would not have been capable of obtain this award if it weren’t for my teammates.” Clayton Kershaw, a former MVP himself, introduced the award, highlighting the camaraderie that outlined the Dodgers’ historic season.
Ohtani’s numbers had been nothing wanting breathtaking. He led the Nationwide League in runs scored (134), dwelling runs (54), and RBIs (130), whereas posting a 1.036 OPS. Much more astonishing, he turned the primary participant in MLB historical past to hit 50 or extra dwelling runs and steal 50 or extra bases in the identical season, cementing his place as a generational expertise.
Ohtani’s September surge: From Marlins masterpiece to World Collection glory
His defining second? A 6-for-6, three-homer sport in opposition to the Miami Marlins that encapsulated his skill to take over a contest like no different. By season’s finish, Ohtani’s 9.2 bWAR was not simply the most effective within the league however a testomony to his distinctive skill to dominate on either side of the game-even as a full-time designated hitter.
Although Ohtani confronted competitors from stars like Francisco Lindor and Ketel Marte, his last month of the season left little doubt. With 10 dwelling runs and 32 RBIs in September, Ohtani carried the Dodgers to a different NL West title and secured his third MVP within the course of.
Including to his accolades, Ohtani performed a key function within the Dodgers’ World Collection triumph, the primary championship of his profession. It was the last word validation of his transfer to Los Angeles and additional proof that Ohtani’s affect goes past particular person awards.
“This season was every part I might’ve hoped for,”Ohtani mirrored.“Profitable a World Collection was the last word aim, and now it is time to do it once more.” As he works by way of rehab, Ohtani’s sights are set firmly on 2025, the place he’ll look to construct on what has already been an unforgettable journey.
