Shohei Ohtani has solidified his legacy in Major League Baseball by being named the National League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024 season after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced that Ohtani won the award unanimously, making it his third MVP title overall and his first in the National League. He previously won the American League MVP twice, in 2021 and 2023, both times while with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani’s unanimous win this year places him in an elite category, being the first player in MLB history to achieve multiple unanimous MVP awards and joining Frank Robinson as the only other player to secure MVP titles in both leagues.
Despite a tumultuous season that included a recovery from surgery and significant off-field challenges, Ohtani’s performance was historic. He became the first player in MLB history to officially enter the coveted “50-50 club” by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases in one season, surpassing previous benchmarks with extraordinary ease. Ohtani achieved this impressive feat while primarily playing as a designated hitter, as he did not pitch during the season due to surgery recovery. His hitting prowess was underscored by a career-high 130 RBIs, along with a stellar .390 on-base percentage and a .310 batting average across 731 plate appearances. One of the standout performances was in a single game against the Miami Marlins, where he notably recorded three home runs, five extra-base hits, and 10 RBIs — marks never before accomplished by any player in one game.
While Ohtani’s regular season statistics were remarkable, his contribution to the Dodgers’ success in the postseason culminated in a World Series victory over the New York Yankees, marking his first championship ring. The Dodgers secured the title in five games, bringing the franchise its eighth championship and its first since 2020. However, Ohtani’s individual performance in the World Series was less exceptional; he managed only two hits in nineteen at-bats and sustained a shoulder injury while trying to steal a base in Game 2. Despite this setback, he did play throughout the series, illustrating his commitment to the team.
Ohtani’s accomplishment this season is even more impressive considering the adversity he faced off the field. His contract negotiations concluded with a record-breaking deal of $700 million, highlighting his value to the sport. This financial success came on the heels of a personal scandal involving his former interpreter and best friend, who was revealed to have allegedly embezzled millions from him. Amid these challenges, Ohtani’s performance on the field shone, overshadowing the turmoil in his personal life and allowing him to focus on baseball.
Looking ahead, Ohtani is expected to return to pitching next season for the Dodgers after recovering from a torn UCL, the injury that previously sidelined his pitching. This will mark a new chapter in his career as he aims to reclaim his status as a two-way superstar and further expand the legacy he has built over recent seasons. The anticipation surrounding his return is palpable, with fans and analysts eager to see how Ohtani will continue to impact the game as both a hitter and a pitcher.
In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was historically significant, culminating in an unprecedented combination of personal accolades and a championship victory. His achievements have placed him in an enviable position among the greats of the game, having become the first player in MLB history to secure 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases while winning an MVP award and a World Series title in the same year. As he approaches the 2025 season and prepares to return to the mound, Ohtani’s future remains bright, with the potential to redefine what it means to be a two-way player in baseball.
