Shohei Ohtani Makes History with Third MVP Award, First in National League

Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar Shohei Ohtani has been unanimously named the National League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024 season, marking his third MVP honor and his first in the National League.

Ohtani's 2024 season was nothing short of historic. Transitioning to the Dodgers after signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, he delivered an unprecedented performance. Despite being sidelined from pitching due to elbow surgery, Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

His offensive statistics were remarkable:

• Home Runs: 54 (led the National League)
• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 130
• Stolen Bases: 59
• Batting Average: .310

These achievements underscore his exceptional versatility and impact on the field.

This MVP award places Ohtani alongside baseball legend Frank Robinson as the only players to have won MVP honors in both the American and National Leagues.

Ohtani's previous MVP awards came in 2021 and 2023 while he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Ohtani expressed gratitude towards his teammates and the Dodgers organization. "I wouldn't have been able to receive this award if it weren't for my teammates," he stated. "Obviously, if my teammates weren't there and we didn't play as a team, we would not even have got to the playoffs or won the World Series. So for me, I am just taking this as I'm representing the team ... ."

Ohtani's historic season culminated in leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship, further solidifying his legacy as one of baseball's all-time greats.