Shohei Ohtani Makes History as First 2-Time Unanimous MVP

Shohei Ohtani has been named American League MVP, marking his second consecutive MVP title and third overall. The Los Angeles Angels free agent received all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The National League honor went to Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ohtani led the AL with 44 homers and hit .304 with 96 RBIs. He was also 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts on the mound before an injury in August. Ohtani averaged 96.8 mph with his four-seam fastball and a 94.4 mph exit velocity off his bat. He also led the majors with a 10.0 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference.

Before his injury, Ohtani appeared to be on track for a potential $500 million contract in baseball history. The three-time All-Star has a .274 average, 171 homers, 437 RBIs, and 86 steals in six major league seasons. He is also 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in 86 starts with 608 strikeouts in 481 2/3 innings.

Ohtani won AL Rookie of the Year in 2018 after signing with the Angels. He was also voted the Pacific League’s MVP in 2016.