Shohei Ohtani is having another dream year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, remaining one of the few ballplayers capable of impacting the game from the mound and the plate at elite levels. So far, he has 45 home runs, 85 RBIs and a .994 OPS, ranking among the best hitters in all of MLB.
As a designated hitter, he does not contribute defensively, but his performance as a pitcher keeps him in the conversation with 32.1 innings, 44 strikeouts and a 4.18 ERA. His total WAR of 5.8 ranks him among the five most valuable players in Major League Baseball, despite the physical and tactical burden of fulfilling both roles.
Bob Nightengale’s analysis for USA Today, the journalist points out: “Ohtani is the leader in the National League clubhouse, but if he struggles down the stretch and Schwarber ends up hitting 60 home runs, the dynamic could quickly change.”
Kyle Schwarber could snatch MVP from Shohei Ohtani if he keeps up his explosive pace
As the season enters its defensive phase, Kyle Schwarber has emerged as a real threat to the Japanese’s dominance with 49 home runs and 119 RBIs. The Phillies slugger leads in power and has matched an all-time record by hitting four home runs in a single game.
Both players act as designated hitters, but the differential factor is in the narrative because Schwarber represents a “new story,” while Ohtani faces the so-called “voter fatigue,” a trend in which award voters prefer not to repeat winners year after year.
Can Ohtani secure MVP honors if he maintains his current level?
The outlook continues to favor the Japanese, especially if he continues to dominate with the bat and add quality starts like his recent outing, where he struck out nine batters in five innings. According to Nightengale: “If he keeps up his hitting pace and keeps pitching like he did in the last outing, it’s over and he’ll win his fourth MVP in five years”.
However, the pressure is on him, a slight drop in performance or a hot streak from Schwarber and things could change completely. In addition, the media narrative and voter politics will play an equally important role as the statistics that favor Ohtani.
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