Nominees for the annual Players Choice Awards were revealed, with Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw representing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani is also one of six Dodgers who are up for the 2025 All-MLB Team.
Ohtani was nothing short of spectacular in his second season with the Dodgers. His career with the organization began with putting together a record-breaking year that earned him the 2024 National League MVP Award.
That was followed up by Ohtani setting a career high with 55 home runs while also making a successful return to pitching.
Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw made 23 starts following his injury-shorted season in 2024. Kershaw provided much-needed stability for the team as they dealt with injuries in the rotation.
Since 1992, the Players Choice Awards have recognized outstanding on- and off-field performances on an annual basis. Finalists and winners are chosen through a vote of among active players.
The 2025 winners will be announced on Oct. 29, ahead of Game 5 of the World Series.
Players Choice Awards select one winner each for the Player of the Year, Marvin Miller Man of the Year, Curt Flood Award and Philanthropist of the Year.
NL and American League winners are selected for the Outstanding Player Award, Outstanding Pitcher Award, Outstanding Rookie Award and Comeback Player.
This year marks the 34th Annual Players Choice Awards.
2025 Players Choice Awards finalists: Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw
Player of the Year
Ohtani hit .282/.392/.622 with 25 doubles, nine triples, 55 home runs, 146 runs scored, 102 RBI and a 172 wRC+ as the Dodgers’ designated hitter this season.
Pitching for the first time since 2023, he also added a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts on the mound.
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh are finalists for Player of the Year as well.
NL Outstanding Player
Similarly to the NL MVP Award, Ohtani figures to be in good position to be named as the top NL performer in the Players Choice Awards.
New York Mets’ Juan Soto and fellow DH Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies make up Ohtani’s competition for NL Outstanding Player.
Schwarber will also be in the mix for the NL MVP Award.
NL Comeback Player of the Year
Kershaw was limited to 30 innings last season due to injury. He rehabbed from left toe and left knee surgeries performed in the offseason to return to the Dodgers’ rotation in 2025.
The left-hander posted a 3.36 ERA in 112.2 innings and completed a major milestone along the way, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history with 3,000 career strikeouts and first Dodgers pitcher.
Kershaw announced his plan to retire at the end of this season.
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