The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another major setback at Dodger Stadium, falling 1-6 to the Toronto Blue Jays for the second consecutive time in the World Series. Expectations were high for Shohei Ohtani, but the Japanese superstar couldn’t lift his team out of trouble, as Toronto’s dominance on both sides of the game proved too much to handle.
Ohtani’s quiet performance has drawn attention across the baseball world, especially given his key role in leading the Dodgers through a remarkable season. The two-way sensation has been instrumental in the team’s success, sparking early discussions about his potential candidacy for the MVP Award after another standout year statistically.
However, following the Dodgers’ latest struggles, some analysts and fans have begun to question whether Ohtani’s postseason performance matches his regular-season brilliance. While his talent remains unquestioned, the debate highlights the fine line between individual excellence and team success, especially under the pressure of the World Series stage.
Why is consider that Shohei Ohtani is out of the MVP deck
Nobody can question the brilliance of Shohei Ohtani, whose two-way dominance once again defined the MLB season. The Japanese superstar delivered a historic performance, becoming the only player in modern baseball to record 50 home runs and 50 strikeouts, a feat reminiscent of Babe Ruth’s legendary legacy. His mix of power, precision, and consistency made him a frontrunner in nearly every award conversation.
However, to the surprise of many fans and analysts, Ohtani’s name was missing from the top honors at the 2025 MLB Players’ Choice Awards. Organized by the MLB Players Association, these awards are unique because the players themselves, teammates and rivals alike, vote to recognize their peers across the league.
This year’s results stunned the baseball world. Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners was voted Player of the Year, while Kyle Schwarber earned the title of Most Outstanding NL Player, edging out Ohtani despite his historic campaign. The players’ selections often prioritize leadership, resilience, and impact beyond raw numbers.
Raleigh’s record-breaking 60 home runs and strong defensive presence behind the plate likely swayed the vote, while Schwarber’s offensive consistency earned him recognition. Once again, the Players’ Choice Awards highlighted how peers measure greatness differently from traditional MVP metrics, valuing influence as much as statistics.
Shohei Ohtani needs to focus on reclaiming the MLB World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers stand on the brink of history, chasing what could be a monumental achievement, a back-to-back World Series championship. Such a feat hasn’t been accomplished since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000, making this opportunity one of the most significant moments in recent MLB history.
Yet, their road to glory won’t be easy. Facing the formidable Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers must overcome a team that has displayed relentless power and consistency, particularly in Game 5′s commanding win. For the Dodgers to stay alive, Shohei Ohtani will need to deliver one of his signature performances to keep the championship dream alive.
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