Shohei Ohtani is in the midst of another historic season, and his two-way prowess was on full display when the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies this week.
Ohtani went 4-for-12 with a double, two home runs, two RBI and two walks in the three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
The right-hander also pitched five no-hit innings during the middle game of the series, showcasing again why he is one of the most unique players in MLB history.
Ohtani, who has already won three MVP Awards in his career, could add a fourth to his total this year. His biggest competition figures to be Kyle Schwarber, who went 2-for-11 with a home run and RBI in three games against the Dodgers.
“Yes, with what he’s done with the bat, now what he’s done on the mound, it’s just a landslide. It’s a no-brainer,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani potentially being named National League MVP.
“The only thing is, I hope some of those voters don’t get voter fatigue and just because it’s the easiest option. It’s the right option. He’s the MVP of the National League. It’s pretty easy.”
Ohtani is just two home runs behind Schwarber and three away from the career-high he set during the 2024 season. If Ohtani catches Schwarber, it would be the third consecutive season leading his respective league in home runs.
“Yeah, that’s going to be a good race. I’ll still bet on our guy,” Roberts said of Ohtani potentially catching Schwarber in the NL home run race.
NL MVP race: Shohei Ohtani vs. Kyle Schwarber
In 149 games this season, Ohtani is hitting .282/.394/.614 with 22 doubles, eight triples, 51 home runs, 95 RBI and 19 stolen bases over 687 plate appearances. He leads the NL in runs scored (137), on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
Meanwhile, Schwarber is batting .243/.370/.567 with 21 doubles, two triples, 53 home runs, 128 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 684 plate appearances (153 games).
Ohtani may be the clear frontrunner for NL MVP due to the fact that he also pitches. On the mound, Ohtani has gone 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA, 2.12 FIP, 1.07 WHIP and 11.9 strikeouts per nine in 41 innings across 13 starts this season.
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