Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated in the locker room after their victory against the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series. The game, held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in New York, secured the championship for the Dodgers. The moment marked a significant triumph for the team. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Shohei Ohtani’s incredible baseball journey reached another milestone as he secured his third MVP award, marking his first in the National League. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge added a second American League MVP to his impressive resume. Both were unanimously chosen, underscoring their dominance in the sport.
Ohtani, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers last year on a record-breaking $700 million contract, made history despite facing physical challenges. After undergoing elbow surgery, he couldn’t pitch this season but focused on excelling as a hitter. The results were remarkable—he led the NL with 54 home runs, drove in 130 RBIs, and stole 59 bases, becoming the first player to achieve 50+ homers and 50+ stolen bases in one season. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Dodgers win the World Series against the Yankees.
In a heartfelt moment, Ohtani celebrated the MVP announcement with his wife and dog, Decoy, who had earlier delivered a ceremonial pitch during a game at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani humorously admitted that watching Decoy throw the pitch was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his season.
While sidelined from pitching, Ohtani continued to push boundaries. He is now the first designated hitter in history to win an MVP without playing a single inning defensively. Despite enduring shoulder surgery in November, Ohtani remains optimistic about his return as a two-way player, aiming to dominate both the mound and the batter’s box by the next season’s opening day.
On the American League side, Aaron Judge’s resilience and power were on full display. After a slow start to the season, Judge rebounded spectacularly, hitting .322 with 58 home runs and leading the league in RBIs (144). His ability to turn things around impressed fans and solidified his place as the Yankees’ 22nd MVP winner—a league-leading accomplishment for the team.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto rounded out the AL voting with impressive campaigns of their own. Witt led the league in batting average (.332) while combining power and speed with 32 homers and 31 steals. Soto showcased his hitting prowess with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.
For both Ohtani and Judge, these awards highlight their extraordinary talents and leadership on and off the field. Ohtani’s historic season and Judge’s determination to overcome challenges remind fans why baseball remains captivating. As Ohtani prepares for his comeback, the prospect of him achieving dual honours as MVP and Cy Young winner looms, adding further excitement to the sport’s future.
