The conversation around baseball’s Most Valuable Player award is heating up. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has stirred things up with his recent comments about teammate Shohei Ohtani.
In a televised interview, Betts said he believes the two-way superstar could dominate the MVP race for years — maybe making him an almost automatic choice as long as he keeps pitching. Ohtani’s latest MVP win, his fourth in five seasons and second straight in the National League, has only strengthened the feeling that his skill set makes him nearly untouchable in the voting.
Shohei Ohtani’s Unprecedented MVP Run
Ohtani’s streak of four MVP awards over five years is wild. His most recent honor came unanimously, showing the respect he’s earned among baseball writers and broadcasters.
What really sets Ohtani apart is that he isn’t just a dominant hitter. He’s also a top-tier starting pitcher, rolling two elite roles into one player.
Why Voters Can’t Look Past Ohtani
Even in seasons where other stars shine, like Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto, Ohtani’s all-around game tilts the MVP race his way. Most MVP contenders put up elite numbers in one area, but Ohtani delivers in both.
He influences games with both his bat and his arm, and honestly, not many can match that. For voters, ignoring that kind of impact would feel like missing the whole point of “Most Valuable.”
Mookie Betts’ Perspective
Betts, who’s won an MVP himself, knows what it takes to earn the game’s top individual honor. Speaking on *MLB Tonight*, he half-joked that MLB might as well “keep giving it to him” until Ohtani stops pitching.
That remark struck a chord with fans. It captures the sense that Ohtani’s dominance isn’t just a phase — it’s becoming part of the sport’s fabric.
The Challenge for Other MVP Contenders
For star players across the league, facing Ohtani in the MVP race feels like running uphill. With his rare two-way abilities, he sets a performance bar that’s tough to reach.
Even record-breaking batting seasons by sluggers like Schwarber might not cut it, since they don’t have that extra pitching piece that drives Ohtani’s value.
The Impact on MLB’s Competitive Landscape
Ohtani’s dominance isn’t just something for award voters to talk about. It’s making teams rethink how they scout and develop players.
His success has sparked debates about whether more athletes should try two-way careers. Still, excelling at both pitching and hitting in today’s game is incredibly tough.
How Fans Are Reacting
Across social media and baseball forums, fans are split. Some love seeing this kind of excellence, while others worry the MVP award could get a little too predictable.
If Ohtani keeps posting historic numbers every year, should the voting change? It’s a fair question, and one people are starting to ask.
Looking Ahead: Perennial Favorite Status
Betts’ prediction that Ohtani will stay the perennial MVP favorite feels like more than just teammate praise. It reflects what’s actually happening in award voting right now.
With the focus on all-around contribution, no one else is matching Ohtani’s combined offensive and pitching numbers. That’s just the reality, at least for now.
Key Reasons Ohtani Will Stay on Top
Why’s Ohtani not just today’s MVP, but maybe tomorrow’s too? Let’s break it down:
- Two-way dominance: He’s crushing it at the plate and on the mound.
- Consistency: Year after year, he keeps delivering.
- Fan appeal: He’s a global superstar, and everyone’s watching.
- Historic precedent: Almost nobody’s pulled off this dual-threat thing at such a high level.
If Ohtani stays healthy and keeps pitching and hitting, he’s got a real shot at staying on top. Fans get to witness something pretty special, honestly. And for other players? Ohtani keeps raising the bar—maybe even higher than anyone expected.
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Here is the source article for this story: Non-Dodgers fans will hate Mookie Betts’ Shohei Ohtani MVP declaration
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