Shohei Ohtani has been named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2025, achieving a remarkable milestone by receiving all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. This victory marks Ohtani’s fourth MVP award in the past five years, an achievement matched only by Barry Bonds, who holds seven MVP titles.
In this latest season, Ohtani showcased his exceptional talents both as a hitter and a pitcher, contributing significantly to his team’s success. His impressive offensive performance included a franchise-record 55 home runs while maintaining a batting average of .282 and an on-base percentage of .392. Additionally, he successfully returned to pitching after recovering from a second repair of his ulnar collateral ligament, making 14 regular-season starts with a stellar 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts over 47 innings.
Historic Achievements and Team Contributions
Ohtani’s contributions were pivotal in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series title in 2024. In a standout performance during the NL Championship Series, he pitched six scoreless innings, striking out ten batters while hitting three home runs in one game. His versatility has redefined the role of a two-way player in Major League Baseball.
This season, Ohtani became the first player in the history of the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL to win both an MVP and a championship in each of his first two seasons with a team, according to ESPN Research. His legacy continues to grow, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only player to win MVP awards in both the American and National Leagues.
Competition and Recognition
In the MVP voting, Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies finished in second place, while Juan Soto of the New York Mets secured third. Other finalists included Geraldo Perdomo from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Trea Turner, also of the Phillies.
Since 2021, when Ohtani began his full-time two-way career with the Los Angeles Angels, he has accumulated a major league-leading 44.4 FanGraphs wins above replacement. This statistic highlights his significant impact on the field, with only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees trailing behind with 42.8.
Ohtani’s continued success reaffirms his position as one of the most dynamic players in baseball history, inspiring fans and players alike with his extraordinary talent and work ethic. His unanimous MVP win underscores not only his individual achievements but also his vital role in a championship-contending team.
