Shohei Ohtani Leading the NL MVP Race as Season Winds Down
Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is once again at the center of the MVP conversation, leading the National League race with historic power at the plate and a return to the mound.
As the season nears its end with less than 30 games left, MLB.com has released its latest update on the National League MVP race. Leading the way? None other than 50/50 star Shohei Ohtani.
Entering the year, fresh off winning the World Series and his first MVP as a Dodger, Ohtani was already the favorite. The fact that he returned to the mound this season only strengthened his case, as he remains the league’s only true two-way player. And once again, Ohtani has delivered, currently sitting ahead of stars such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kyle Schwarber, Paul Skenes, and former Dodger Trea Turner.
This season has been Ohtani’s first chance to fully showcase his two-way ability in Dodger blue. On the mound, he owns a 4.61 ERA across 27.1 innings. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s important to note that Ohtani is coming off major elbow surgery and skipped traditional rehab outings. Instead, his recovery came in real-time during the season. Since making his first start on June 16, his outings have gradually increased, with pitch counts managed carefully along the way.
At the plate, Ohtani has been his usual self, once again carrying the Dodgers’ offense. Hitting mostly in the leadoff spot, he’s tied for the NL lead with 45 home runs, alongside Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies. While his stolen bases (17) don’t come close to last year’s 50, that’s more by design; the Dodgers don’t need him putting his body on the line while also pitching. Even so, his overall offensive line is elite: .279 batting average, .389 OBP, .615 SLG, and a 1.004 OPS, which ranks second in all of baseball behind Aaron Judge.
Ohtani has simply been a force to be reckoned with. Add in the fact that he throws over 100 mph to go with 45 home runs, and it’s clear why he’s considered not only the best player in the National League but perhaps in all of baseball. Despite a few rough outings on the mound, his value to the Dodgers, especially with all their injuries, remains unmatched. If Ohtani secures another MVP, it would be the fourth of his career, placing him alongside Barry Bonds as the only players in MLB history to win at least four.
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