Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani was named the unanimous American League Most Valuable Player on Thursday evening. The two-way phenom obtained all 30 first-place votes after placing collectively one other historic season wherein he excelled as each a batter and pitcher.
Ohtani hit .304 with 44 dwelling runs and 95 RBIs on the plate, whereas additionally going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 begins on the mound. It marked his second MVP award within the final three seasons (he completed second to Aaron Judge final season).
The 29-year-old Ohtani is now the prime focus of this MLB offseason as he hits free company for the primary time. Several groups have already been linked to the Japanese celebrity, who underwent elbow surgical procedure in September and isn’t anticipated to pitch subsequent season.
The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants seem like essentially the most aggressive early suitors for Ohtani. The Cubs completed simply shy of the playoffs this 12 months and appear intent on making a giant splash. Meanwhile, the Dodgers present Ohtani the chance to remain in Southern California however be part of a perennial contender. The Giants additionally narrowly missed out on signing Aaron Judge final 12 months and wish to land a celebrity.
Other potential touchdown spots embrace the Texas Rangers, who simply gained the World Series and have a “blank checkbook” for Ohtani, in response to ESPN’s Buster Olney. The Seattle Mariners and New York Mets have additionally been linked to Ohtani. Even a return to the Angels stays attainable, although Ohtani appears decided to play for a winner.
Wherever Ohtani indicators, his new crew might be getting one of the vital gifted and marketable gamers that MLB has ever seen. For now, Ohtani’s free company guarantees to be the story of the offseason.