'Oh! Oh! → Competitor PCA also 'Oh! Oh!' 4 consecutive MVPs in red light... Opponent ahead of Lee Do-yoo: "If you don't want the MVP, it's a lie"

*This content was translated by AI.

It seemed like four consecutive Most Valuable Players (MVPs) were within reach, but a strong competitor has emerged. In fact, based on recent momentum, some even say Ohtani is falling behind. Can Shohei Ohtani (32, LA Dodgers) defend his throne?

On the 6th (Korea time), Ohtani started as the leadoff designated hitter in an away game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA, recording five hits in three at-bats (two home runs) and three RBIs, including a leadoff home run.

Ohtani has recorded a batting average of 0.297 (120 hits in 404 at-bats), 26 home runs, 70 RBIs, 73 runs scored, an on-base percentage of 0.399, a slugging percentage of 0.554, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.953 in 109 games as a hitter this season. While his performance is somewhat disappointing compared to recent seasons, the "two-way" feat is shining a light on Ohtani.

After suffering an elbow injury at the end of the 2023 season and undergoing surgery, Ohtani returned to the mound as a pitcher after rehabilitation. In 14 games, he pitched 85⅔ innings with an 8-2 record and an ERA of 1.79. He recorded 95 strikeouts, a batting average against of 0.180, and a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.95, displaying overwhelming performance.

Ohtani, who had shown greater ambition as a pitcher, has not taken the mound since the 4th last month due to inflammation in his knee.

As Ohtani continued his two-way feat and his MVP award seemed like a foregone conclusion, stopping his pitching activities now makes it impossible to guarantee four consecutive MVPs.

In 2021, when Ohtani won his first MVP, he recorded 9 wins and 2 losses with an ERA of 3.18 and 156 strikeouts as a pitcher. As a hitter that year, he boasted a powerful impact with 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, 103 runs scored, 26 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.964.

In 2023, he performed exceptionally well in batting with a .304 average, 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, 102 runs scored, 20 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.066, and for the first time as a pitcher, he achieved 10 wins (5 losses). He also recorded an ERA of 3.14 and 167 strikeouts.

In 2024, due to surgery recovery, he played only as a designated hitter but set an incredible record for the first time in global professional baseball history: 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. Last year, although he played almost exclusively as a hitter, he recorded 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, 146 runs scored, 109 walks, 20 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.014, winning his fourth MVP award.

This season's situation is somewhat different. While he currently ranks first in the National League (NL) in runs scored and OPS, he trails in home runs (6th) and RBIs (9th). On the mound, Jacob Misuras of the Milwaukee Brewers is making a strong presence with 11 wins, 5 losses, an ERA of 1.63, and 195 strikeouts, leading Ohtani in every category.

Today, he faced Pete Crow-Armstrong (24, Chicago Cubs), who has recently been identified as a strong MVP race rival. Crow-Armstrong also performed well with a multi-home run game, four RBIs, and two runs scored, including a home run in his first at-bat, ultimately leading his team to a 7-6 victory.

Crow-Armstrong is currently recording a batting average of 0.288, 26 home runs, 69 RBIs, 78 runs scored, 28 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of 0.386, a slugging percentage of 0.552, and an OPS of 0.938.

While he is on pace for a 40-40 season, if we look only at batting statistics, he is clearly a top-tier hitter in the league, but it seems difficult to even mention him for MVP. However, when considering his defensive abilities, the story changes.

Based on overwhelming defensive power, Crow-Armstrong strongly protects the outfield as the Cubs' center fielder, leading with an fWAR (fanGraphs Wins Above Replacement) of 7.5, which is overwhelmingly first place. This is more than double Ohtani's (3.4), who plays only as a designated hitter. Even when adding his pitcher WAR of 3.0, he remains ahead.

According to the US sports media ESPN, Crow-Armstrong said after the game, "If you don't want the MVP, it's a lie," but added, "However, that is not my top priority. Competing with such a great player is an incredible achievement in itself, and being recognized for it makes me happy. If I can someday knock them (the Dodgers) down, I will feel a great sense of accomplishment. I want to see us playing in October."

For Ohtani right now, the most reliable way to defend his MVP title is to return to pitching and continue performing, such as achieving the symbolic 10 wins. This is because Ohtani's unique two-way feat adds value beyond simple numbers.

Ohtani also has a strong desire to return to pitching. According to Japanese media such as Chunichi Sports, Ohtani said, "I want to prepare every day to quickly get into good condition on the mound again," and added, "He (Crow-Armstrong) is an excellent player. It's still too early to think about the MVP race. For me, it is more important that my team wins and I contribute to those victories."

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*This content was translated by AI.