Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, has been named a finalist for his first National League MVP award. This comes after winning the American League MVP twice. He is in the top three along with New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.
On the other hand, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is also a finalist for his second AL MVP award. He is joined by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto.
Ohtani made history by hitting .310, stealing 59 bases, and leading the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs as a designated hitter. He became the first player to achieve 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a single season. Despite playing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Ohtani helped the Dodgers win the World Series title.
If Ohtani wins the NL MVP award, he will become the first primary designated hitter to achieve this honor. The winners of the major individual awards presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be revealed soon.
Additionally, the NL Cy Young Award finalists include Atlanta’s Chris Sale, Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler, and Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes. Skenes, a 22-year-old right-hander, had an impressive debut season, going 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts.
In the AL, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, and Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase are the Cy Young Award finalists. Clase is the first reliever to finish in the top three in voting since 2006.
Moreover, NL Rookie of the Year finalists include Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, along with Skenes. In the AL, Yankees right-hander Luis Gil, catcher Austin Wells, and Baltimore outfielder Colton Cowser are the finalists.
For the AL Manager of the Year award, Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt, Kansas City’s Matt Quatraro, and Detroit’s AJ Hinch are in the running. In the NL, first-year managers Carlos Mendoza of the Mets, Pat Murphy of the Brewers, and Mike Shildt of the Padres are the finalists.
The baseball world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners for these prestigious awards, recognizing the outstanding performances of players and managers in the 2024 season.
