The coronation was nothing new.
Third-time Charm
For the third time in his decorated Major League Baseball career, Shohei Ohtani won most valuable player award honors on Thursday, claiming the National League’s top individual accolade by a unanimous vote from 30 members of the Baseball Writers’ Assn. of America.
A New Era
While no designated hitter had ever before won an MVP, Ohtani’s award was not a surprise.. In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani led the NL in home runs (54), RBIs (130), and OPS (1.036). He was second in batting average (.310). And with 59 steals, he became the first player in MLB history with a 50-homer, 50-steal season.
Unlike his previous two MVP awards in 2021 and 2023 with the Angels, the two-way star didn’t pitch during the 2024 season, limited to only hitting duties after a Tommy John revision surgery the prior year.
No Unanswered Questions
But, also unlike his past two MVP wins, the tenor of Thursday’s announcement that Ohtani had won MVP was changed as well.
There were no lingering doubts about free agency, no questions about his lack of postseason experience.
Only one last victorious appearance to bookend a celebratory season for the newest Dodgers star.
“I’m representing the team, winning this award,” Ohtani said through an interpreter on MLB Network, after teammate Clayton Kershaw delivered the announcement.
A New Goal
When Ohtani won his 2023 MVP this time last year, the announcement was surrounded by thick offseason speculation.
Ohtani was early in his process as a marquee free agent. He had yet to start meeting with prospective clubs trying to sign him. His future was hanging in the balance.
Exactly when Ohtani will retake the mound is unclear. He ended the season needing to check a few more boxes in his recovery from elbow surgery, including facing hitters again in live batting practice sessions.
A labrum surgery on his non-throwing left shoulder earlier this month — resulting from the dislocated shoulder Ohtani suffered in the World Series — will also likely push back his pitching timeline, leaving his chances of starting during the Dodgers’ season-opening trip to his home country of Japan seemingly slim.
“The goal is to be ready for opening day, and that includes hitting and pitching,” Ohtani said. “But we are taking our time, obviously. Want to make sure I’m healthy first.”
Conclusion
Ohtani will have a leading role to play in multiple ways for the 2025 Dodgers, who are hoping he can replicate some of his dominant offensive form from the past year while also being in position to impact what was a shorthanded pitching staff in 2024.
FAQs
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Who won the MVP award this year?
Shohei Ohtani has won the National League Most Valuable Player award unanimously.
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How many MVP awards does Ohtani have in total?
Ohtani has won the MVP award three times.
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Will Ohtani pitch in 2025?
Ohtani is expected to resume pitching duties in 2025, but his exact pitching timeline is unclear due to his recovery from elbow and labrum surgeries.
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Does Ohtani have plans to add a Cy Young Award to his trophy case in 2025?
Ohtani laughed off the question, saying only that his focus is to get healthy, come back stronger, and get back on the mound.
