For the second time in his career, Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani has won the AL MVP award.
Just like in 2021, Ohtani won the award unanimously, making him the first player to ever win multiple MVPs unanimously.
Ohtani missed the last month of the season with an injury, but still led the American League with 44 home runs, and finished fourth in the AL with a .304 batting average.
🦄 UNANIMOUS 🦄
🦄 満票MVP 🦄Shohei Ohtani is the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player! pic.twitter.com/MvOuNzNVdp
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 16, 2023
Ohtani’s pitching season came to an end in August after an injury to his UCL, but he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 168 strikeouts. He isn’t expected to pitch in 2024
Last season saw Ohtani finish second in AL MVP voting behind Aaron Judge, giving him three top-two MVP finishes in three seasons.
Texas Rangers shortstop and World Series MVP Corey Seager finished second in the voting.
Ohtani is currently a free agent and is expected to be pursued by a handful of teams including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. It is believed that the 29-year-old two-way phenom will receive a record-setting contract, eclipsing the nine-year $360 million deal Judge signed last offseason to remain with the Yankees.
Ohtani is the second Japanese-born MVP in MLB history, joining former Seattle Mariners great Ichiro Suzuki.
Social media had a lot to say about the news.
Tough year but what a privilege it was watching Shohei every single night. A richly deserved second MVP for a truly phenomenal player. 🦄 ❤️ https://t.co/qIPM2IguZ1
— LA Angels UK (@LAAngelsUK) November 16, 2023
First ever player to win 2 unanimous MVP awards. Absolute legend.
Born too late to explore the world, born too early to explore space… But born just at the right time to watch the greatest baseball player play in his prime. https://t.co/AGdQHNrbuR
— MUNIERU (@SalmonMunieru) November 16, 2023
Only player in MLB history with two unanimous MVPs. Cheers to yet another unmatchable season, king. https://t.co/Z3w7nCVPDc
— Caleb Dameron (@CalebQuickstep3) November 16, 2023
Absolute honor to watch his greatness this past season
2x Unanimous MVP! 🔥 https://t.co/uNeIZb2LbJ
— Gregory Hall (@gregoryhall_) November 16, 2023
