Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 MLB season has been exceptional, with many experts suggesting he is on track to secure his fourth Most Valuable Player award. Ben Verlander, brother of pitcher Justin Verlander and host of Flippin’ Bats, highlighted Ohtani’s dominance, noting that his hitting alone positions him as a leading MVP candidate. He added that any pitching contributions from Ohtani are an added bonus for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ben Verlander emphasized that when combining Ohtani’s hitting and pitching achievements, the two-way player is well-positioned to claim another MVP award. Addressing the possibility of Ohtani winning the award annually, Verlander expressed certainty that he deserves to do so.
He also stated a key difference between Ohtani and other players like Mike Trout, arguing that Ohtani is unaffected by voter fatigue, a phenomenon where repeated excellence may be overlooked over time. Verlander said:
“Is Shohei Ohtani just going to win the MVP award every year? And that answer is yes. And he should. Voter fatigue does become a thing in my opinion. We have seen it multiple times in many sports. We have seen it in this sport with Mike Trout, I think. But does voter fatigue come into play when it comes to Shohei Ohtani? I don’t think so. He’s just better than everyone.” —Ben Verlander, Show Host
Verlander further praised Ohtani for pushing the boundaries of baseball by excelling as both an elite hitter and pitcher. He noted Ohtani’s ongoing efforts to regain his full pitching ability following elbow surgery, suggesting the star will progressively return to his top form on the mound.
Ohtani’s Performance Against Royals Highlights His Unique Two-Way Ability
On June 28, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Kansas City Royals in a regular-season game where, despite a 9-5 loss, Shohei Ohtani showcased outstanding skills both at the plate and on the pitching mound. Ohtani delivered two scoreless innings and recorded the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 miles per hour, demonstrating his continued strength as a pitcher.
After the game, Ohtani received praise not only from fans but also from the opposition. Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro called him a “special talent” during an appearance on MLB Network Radio, underscoring the rare nature of Ohtani’s abilities.
Quatraro commented on Ohtani’s physicality and impact, stating:
“I did not see that pop up there, which I don’t look up there because you know the guy’s throwing hard,” Quatraro said. “I don’t need to see the exact deal. I mean, what do you say about this guy, I’m glad we’re facing him once in the regular season… He’s a massive guy, extremely strong and physical everything you guys see him on a daily basis, but it’s impressive what he does. Basically he’s pitching his rehab assignment here against major league hitters.” —Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals Manager
Quatraro also remarked on the uniqueness of Ohtani’s dual-threat role and the significance it holds for baseball. Even though the Dodgers lost the specific game, they secured victory in the overall three-game series against the Royals, thanks to solid team efforts.
Ohtani’s Rare Skillset Continues to Command Respect Across MLB
Shohei Ohtani’s ability to thrive as both a hitter and pitcher sets him apart in the league, drawing admiration from peers, managers, and fans alike. His 2025 campaign underscores his status as a transformative player capable of impacting games in multiple ways, making his MVP candidacy stronger with each performance.
Ben Verlander’s acknowledgment of Ohtani’s immunity to voter fatigue implies that Ohtani’s talent transcends typical limitations faced by repeating MVP contenders like Mike Trout. Moreover, Matt Quatraro’s praise reflects how opponents appreciate Ohtani’s rare combination of power and skill, emphasizing his importance within MLB’s competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Ohtani’s continued work to regain full pitching form after injury recovery may further boost his value, keeping him at the center of MVP discussions and heightening the excitement around his groundbreaking 2025 season.