Ohtani's Historic Achievement
Shohei Ohtani was named the National League MVP for the fourth time in five seasons, yet again in unanimous fashion, garnering all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. This remarkable achievement not only showcases his talent as one of the premier players in today's game but also positions him closer to the legendary status of icons like Barry Bonds, who recorded seven MVPs.
"It's definitely special... It makes it special because it was unanimous, and I would like to thank all the writers for voting for me," Ohtani said in a conference call.
A Season to Remember
The Dodgers slugger didn't coast to his fourth MVP. He delivered a stellar performance throughout the 2025 season, featuring a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, and a phenomenal 179 adjusted OPS that led the National League. What's more remarkable is Ohtani's dual role as both a dominant hitter and an ace pitcher, allowing him to captivate fans on multiple fronts this season.
NL MVP Award Voting Results
| Player | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | 30 | -- | -- | 420 |
| Kyle Schwarber | -- | 23 | 5 | 260 |
| Juan Soto | -- | 4 | 15 | 231 |
| Geraldo Perdomo | -- | 3 | 7 | 196 |
| Trea Turner | -- | -- | 1 | 102 |
Pushing Boundaries
At age 31, Ohtani has joined the ranks of Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to have won MVP in both leagues. Furthermore, he has achieved unprecedented status as the first player in the history of the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL to win both an MVP and a championship in each of his first two seasons with a team.
In Pursuit of Greatness
Joining the Dodgers on a hefty 10-year contract worth $700 million in December 2023, Ohtani quickly made his mark, leading the team to a World Series title in 2024. His prowess as a leadoff hitter coupled with his miraculous ability to pitch has set a new standard for what's possible in Major League Baseball.
The Playoffs: A Stage Set for Greatness
His postseason performance was equally stellar, pitching six scoreless innings while striking out ten in the NL Championship Series, followed by a historic display in the World Series. In an intense Game 3 that extended to 18 innings, he reached base every time he came to bat, making a compelling case for his historical significance.
A True Competitor
“I never strive to start off a season aiming to get the MVP,” Ohtani stated. “Everything has to do with your teammates... at the end of the day, we want to be playing for a World Series.” His unwavering focus on team success amidst individual accolades reflects the coach's insight I admire in our sports heroes.
Looking Ahead
As Ohtani sets his sights on the next season, one thing is clear: his competitive spirit and relentless work ethic set him apart in a league that oftentimes only glimpses greatness. For fans like us, witnessing his journey is not just about records; it's about understanding the heart and strategies that define this game we love.
Source reference: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46958495/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-wins-fourth-mvp-award-five-seasons
