LOS ANGELES - Shohei Ohtani has unanimously won the 2024 National League MVP award, marking his first with the Dodgers and third overall in his seven-year MLB career.
This marks the 15th time a Los Angeles Dodgers player has won the National League MVP award, and the first since Cody Bellinger in 2019.
Additionally, it is a historic achievement, as this is the first time a player has won back-to-back MVP awards in different leagues in Major League Baseball history.
From one MVP to another. 🥹
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 22, 2024
Clayton Kershaw announces Shohei Ohtani as the 2024 NL MVP! pic.twitter.com/3TpN7Tczxv
Ohtani discussed the significance of his third MVP award after winning it in his first year with the Dodgers.
"I wouldn't have been able to receive this award if it weren't for my teammates." Ohtani said.
Ohtani had one of the most impressive seasons in MLB history, joining the 50-50 club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
Here are the final vote totals for the NL MVP pic.twitter.com/Hm9omu42yg
— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) November 21, 2024
In his first year with Los Angeles, Ohtani had an impressive batting average of .310 and stole 59 bases. He also led the National League with 130 RBIs while playing as the designated hitter. Despite dealing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, he played through the injury and contributed to the Dodgers' World Series title.
Ohtani joins Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as one of only two players to have won MVP awards in both the American and National Leagues. Robinson earned the NL MVP in 1961 with the Reds and the AL MVP in 1966 with the Orioles. The other finalists for the award were New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.
Ohtani was unanimously voted the American League MVP in both 2021 and 2023, demonstrating his skills as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels. However, he did not pitch in 2024 due to elbow surgery, yet he was unanimously chosen as MVP again this season.
Last December, he signed a record-breaking 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani is the 12th player in MLB history to win three MVP awards. He is the second player to win both the American League and National League MVPs. Additionally, he is the first primary designated hitter to receive this honor. Ohtani is the Dodgers’ first unanimous MVP since BBWAA began voting in 1931.
Before 2024, no MLB player had a season with over 50 home runs, more than 90 extra-base hits, a World Series appearance, and a unanimous MVP award. This year, both Aaron Judge and Ohtani achieved that.
Ohtani became the first MLB player in over 20 years to collect at least 400 total bases, and many can expect more spectacular seasons with the Dodgers.