The MLB has passed its midway point in the season. Now two weeks away from the All-Star game in Arlington, Texas, Shohei Ohtani has put himself on a historic pace through the first half.
After the Japanese two-way sensation underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in September of last year, fans questioned if Ohtani’s value would be the same as just a hitter. Despite this concern, the Dodgers made Ohtani the highest-paid player in MLB history with a $700 million contract last offseason.
It was widely known that Ohtani would not pitch during the first full season of his new ten-year deal. Despite this, he has proven his value as a hitter and placed himself as a frontrunner to win the National League MVP. As the Dodgers designated hitter this season, Ohtani has a chance to win the award for the first time as a full-time DH.
The Sho goes on ????
Home run No. 26 for Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/MGoWrEEpqA
— MLB (@MLB) June 29, 2024
However, his status as a full-time DH may damage his chances of winning the award. Long-time MLB writer and ESPN personality Michael Wilbon is one voter who expressed thoughts on voting for the MVP. Wilbon said, “I wouldn’t do it… so ill-advised. You can’t play half the game and be MVP. Listen, as great as Shohei is—and he’s great—I’m not voting for a DH to win MVP.”
While it remains uncertain how many other MVP voters share this belief, Shohei’s injury could cause him to fall short of the award.
Some voters have come to Shohei’s side regarding this debate. Responding to Wilbon’s comments, Frank Isola said, “If Shohei wins the triple crown, and he could, I’d vote for him. If Dennis Eckersley could be an MVP as a reliever, Shohei Ohtani could be an MVP as a DH.”
Through 81 games, Ohtani has gotten off to arguably the best start of his career, batting .316 with a 1.034 OPS and 26 home runs. He leads the NL, including home runs, BA, and OPS, among several others. Ohtani is a serious threat to collect his second straight MVP and the first as a full-time DH should he continue his monstrous start.
Photo Credit: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after he was called out on strike against the San Francisco Giants. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
