Shohei Ohtani has transformed the baseball landscape with his remarkable abilities as both a pitcher and hitter. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional dual skills, evolving into one of the game’s premier offensive forces. Ohtani’s continued excellence highlights his unique role as a dual-threat athlete, a distinction that has defined his journey in professional baseball.
Overcoming Challenges and Displaying Versatility in 2024
This year, Ohtani faced difficulties as an injury sidelined his pitching for a period, yet he adapted by excelling as a base stealer, adding another dimension to his game. His recent return to pitching has been cautious, with a limited four innings pitched so far. Nevertheless, his offensive output remains outstanding, marked by a 1.013 OPS, 30 home runs, and a 4.0 bWAR, underscoring his significant impact at the plate.
Ohtani’s selection as the starting designated hitter for the National League All-Star team further reflects his sustained elite performance. His sights, however, are set higher as he pursues an unprecedented fourth Most Valuable Player Award within five seasons, aiming to cement his place in baseball history.
Competitive Field in the National League MVP Race
The race for the National League MVP is intense, with several rising stars competing alongside Ohtani. Players such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, Kyle Tucker, and Pete Alonso have all attracted attention this season. Despite this strong field, analysts view Ohtani as the frontrunner due to his balanced dominance on offense and potential pitching contributions. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report expressed confidence in Ohtani’s chances, stating,
“If the Dodgers star ramps up as a pitcher while hitting 50-plus home runs for the second season in a row, he’s going to run away with the NL MVP.”
—Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report
Securing this award would elevate Ohtani into a rarefied category alongside Barry Bonds, the only other MLB player with four or more MVP awards, Bonds having won the trophy seven times.
Future Outlook: Solidifying a Legendary Career
With a gradual increase in pitching workload anticipated, potentially around 45 innings this season, Ohtani is positioned to deliver a historically significant campaign. His combination of pitching and hitting excellence makes it difficult for any contender to surpass him for MVP honors.
At 31 years old, approaching his birthday this weekend, Ohtani is on the brink of forging a singular legacy in Major League Baseball. His accomplishments demonstrate not only personal milestones but also a broader evolution within the sport, challenging traditional boundaries and redefining what is possible for modern players.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Shohei Ohtani get a 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit a home run, making history by joining the 50-50 club. With three home runs and two steals, Ohtani delivered an incredible performance. Given the situation and importance, it was the best individual game performance we have ever witnessed.