Angels Superstar Shohei Ohtani Officially Wins Second MVP Award in 3 Years

Was there ever any doubt?

Was there ever any doubt, Angels fans? Coming into the 2023 season, Angels superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani was the favorite to win the 2023 AL MVP — and today, he was officially named the MVP of the American League for the second time in three seasons. 

Ohtani was named the unanimous MVP award, meaning he's the first player in MLB history to win the award unanimously twice.

For the second time in three years, Shohei Ohtani is the American League’s Most Valuable Player!

大谷翔平が二度目のア・リーグMVPを受賞！ pic.twitter.com/z7svbS4DZI

— MLB (@MLB) November 16, 2023

It may be hard to believe, but Ohtani had arguably the best season of his career in 2023. As a hitter, he slashed .305/.412/.654 and had a 1.006 OPS, three of those four categories being career-bests. He also had 44 home runs (second highest of his career) and 95 RBIs in 135 games. Compared to the rest of the American League, Shohei was fourth in batting average, first in home runs, and 14th in RBIs. 

As far as his pitching goes, he was as dominant as ever again. He ended the season with a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts and 132 innings pitched. He also only allowed 85 hits, 46 earned runs, 18 homers, 167 strikeouts, and had a 4.00 FIP and 1.06 WHIP. 

We may never see anyone like Ohtani ever again in our lifetimes. Because of this, it is essential for the Angels to sign him back with the squad, as Ohtani is the most coveted free agent this game has and will ever see. 

Nonetheless, we're happy for Shohei, and this award is well deserved. 

And now that award season is officially over, all eyes are on what Ohtani will do in free agency.