Shohei Ohtani further increased his value by adding a second American League Most Valuable Player title to his already loaded resume on Thursday.
The years go by and still look the same for the free agent, who just completed his sixth season with the Los Angeles Angels. As the American’s best representative in 2021, he was beaten by Aaron Judge last year.
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He was also unanimously elected for the second time, something that had never happened before in the history of the majors. Ohtani beat his Texas Rangers teammates Marcus Semien and Corey Seager in the vote. The latter have to be content with their World Series.
Many believe the Japanese will break the bank this winter, and he usually stands out because of his versatility. Due to an injury he had to miss the last 27 duels of the season, but with 44 long balls he was still at the top of the club. The 29-year-old designated hitter led the American in various hitting categories.
The Angels continued to struggle with a record of 73-89 and Ohtani did everything he could to turn things around. As a shooter, he maintained a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA.
Since he underwent surgery on his right elbow in September, he will not pitch in 2024, but should still be able to play as a designated hitter with the team that convinces him to join.
Acuña Jr., no surprise
In the National Championship, it was Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. who unanimously won this major honor. This is his first Most Valuable Player title of his career.
He notably hit 41 home runs and added 71 stolen bases in 2023, making him the first player in Major League Baseball history with at least 40 long balls and 70 steals.
This trophy will bring a little balm to his heart since the Braves were eliminated in four games by the Philadelphia Phillies in the last playoffs, despite his club’s best regular season record thanks to a record of 104-58.
The Venezuelan became the eighth Braves player to receive such an honor.