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2024 NLCS: Shohei Ohtani Feels ‘Connected’ To Francisco Lindor As MVP Candidates

Matt Borelli
3 Min Read
Oct 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) tags out Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) attempting to steal second base in the second inning during game one of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets has been a battle of blowout wins so far, with Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor doing what they can to help lead the way for their respective teams.

Ohtani enjoyed a historic season with the Dodgers that saw him establish the 50-50 club and set a plethora of records in the process. Ohtani almost certainly will win his third career MVP Award at the end of the year over Lindor and other deserving candidates.

The All-Star shortstop had a phenomenal season as well and likely would be the favorite for NL MVP honors if not for Ohtani’s unworldly production as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.

Both players do not cross paths often but have mutual respect for each other.

“My impression of him is that he’s a really good guy,” Ohtani said of Lindor through interpreter Will Ireton.

“He smiles a lot. I do feel like he’s leading the club as well. I think both of us are in this position where what we did in the regular season is over and what matters is how we produce, what we produce during the postseason.

“I do think we’re perhaps connected in the same sense.”

Francisco Lindor praises Shohei Ohtani

Lindor also had high praise for Ohtani and respects the way he goes about himself.

“I admire his shoes. He’s got cool cleats. I admire the ability to stay within himself,” Lindor said of Ohtani.

“I mean, he’s a guy that, from day one, has had a lot of pressure on him. There’s been a lot of eyes and cameras on him, and his ability to stay within himself and to not get too big and to stay the course, that, to me, that’s brilliant. He’s done a fantastic job of everywhere he’s gone, he has managed to maneuver himself the right way.

“He plays the game the right way. I respect that. I feel like he respects his peers, whether they wear the same uniform, or the other uniform, and it’s been fun to watch him come into the league and become as good as he has.”

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Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.