Dodgers’ Last One-Way MVP Is OK With Shohei Ohtani Being the Next
Shohei Ohtani has the opportunity to accomplish yet another history-making feat. As the frontrunner for the National League MVP award, Ohtani would become the first full-time designated hitter to win the award in Major League history.
Former Angels outfielder Don Baylor came the closest to achieving this feat in 1979. The American League MVP started in 65 games as designated hitter, 98 in the outfield, and one at first base.
Therefore, Ohtani would be the first player to win in a season when he only started as his team’s designated hitter.
Full-time designated hitters have been finalists for the award before, finishing as high as second place four times. Red Sox’s designated hitter David Ortiz nearly missed the mark in 2005, when he received 11 first place votes but still finished in second place.
There has been an ongoing debate whether full–time designated hitters should win the award. With no defensive contribution to their team’s success, some people argue that MVPs need to be valuable both offensively and defensively.
However, one-way players have won the award before — as pitchers. Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw was crowned the 2014 NL MVP, despite scarcely contributing offensively.
“MVP should be all-encompassing on what is the most valuable. Obviously defense plays a part in that,” Kershaw said to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett about a designated hitter winning the award. “But if you’re that good offensively that you’re more valuable, then I think it’s okay.”
Ohtani may not contribute defensively, but he is more than just a home run hitter. He is on track to become the first 50-50 player in MLB history. Few of the MLB home run leaders also have a knack for stealing bases. Ohtani leads the NL in homers (44) and ranks second in the Major Leagues in stolen bases (46).
The only NL player to come close to Ohtani’s home run and base stealing abilities is Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor. He is the main competition Ohtani seems to be facing because Lindor also contributes defensively as New York’s everyday shortstop.
Although Ohtani is limited to plate appearances, he has consistently accomplished history-making feats and broken record after record this season. Arguably, it would be a shame to see the NL MVP award go to anyone else.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
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