Could Shohei Ohtani Win the MVP This Year?

As of now, Shohei Ohtani is an overwhelming favorite to win the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in the American League. Not only because of his exceptional performance on the mound, but also his stellar batting prowess. Let's delve into the reasons why Ohtani is favored, and the challenges he faces.

Could, Might, or Just as a Batter?

Shohei Ohtani is running neck and neck with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the best AL batters for the season. As a dual-threat player, adding a productive pitching season could make him a strong candidate. In the current standings, if Ohtani maintains his performance, it's highly likely he would win the MVP, even if it's a retrospective award.

Most fans believe that if the season ended today, Ohtani would be the MVP. His chances are not just theoretical; however, his pitching outings could undermine his candidacy. A few subpar performances, particularly against strong teams like the Yankees, could jeopardize his MVP aspirations.

Strengths and Challenges

**Strengths:**

Offensive Skills: Ohtani leads the AL in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for his offense, currently at 3.2, and stands close to Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in OPS (1.045 vs. 1.108), with 28 home runs (tied with four others) and a notable 1.075 slugging percentage. Veratile Player: As the only legitimate two-way player in the major leagues in over 80 years, Ohtani garners significant attention. His ability to contribute both offensively and on the mound is a huge asset. Team Leadership: With the Angels leading the WAR for offense at 4.8 and pitching at 1.6, Ohtani's impact is well-recognized.

**Challenges:**

Pitching Performance: While his offensive stats are dominant, Ohtani’s pitching is more of a secondary role. He has a 1.6 WAR as a pitcher, which is around the 52nd best in the American League, with a 3-1 record and 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings. However, his 60 innings span and 5 IP per start suggest marginal value, denying him the status of a star pitcher. Voters' Perceptions: The last two-way player in major league history was Rocky Colavito, who played over 80 years ago. Voters have never seen someone like Ohtani before, making it difficult to determine how his multi-faceted contribution will be perceived. Team Standing: The Angels are not in contention, standing 39-41 and nine games behind Houston. Being a top player on a less competitive team is a negative factor in MVP voting.

Conclusion

While Ohtani could win the MVP, the challenges mentioned above make it tough. His offensive dominance overshadows his pitching contributions, and the perception of his value by voters will play a crucial role. Nonetheless, the possibility is certainly there, providing an exciting narrative for fans and analysts alike as the season progresses.

Key Takeaways:

Ohtani leads in WAR (offense: 3.2, pitching: 1.6). His offensive stats are outstanding (OPS 1.045, 28 home runs). Pitching contributions are limited but effective. Voters' perception of a two-way player is uncertain. The Angels' poor team standing is a significant negative.