Shohei Ohtani Secures Third MVP Title in Historic Fashion
Los Angeles Dodgers' standout Shohei Ohtani has been named the National League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2024, marking his third career MVP award. The 30-year-old achieved unanimous recognition, receiving all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Ohtani previously earned MVP honors in the American League during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, winning in 2021 and 2023. His latest accolade makes him the first player in Major League Baseball history to win MVP awards in consecutive years across both the American and National Leagues.
Joining the Dodgers in December 2023, Ohtani's stellar season played a crucial role in the team's 2024 World Series triumph—their first championship since 2020 and the eighth in franchise history. He also became the first MLB player to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, further cementing his place in baseball history.
"I wouldn't have been able to receive this award if it weren't for my team-mates," Ohtani stated. "I didn't go into the season trying to strive to get the MVP award. I was more focused on being one of the guys with the new team, with the Dodgers. I wanted to obviously embrace the fans as well and kind of let them know who I was, and that was my main focus heading into this season."
Ohtani's unanimous selection saw him outpace New York Mets' Francisco Lindor for the honor. Meanwhile, in the American League, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge won the MVP title, edging out team-mate Juan Soto and Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr.
Ohtani is now among an elite group of 12 players with three or more MVP awards, a testament to his impact on the field during a record-breaking season for the Dodgers.
