Shohei Ohtani has the chance to perform one more history-making feat. Because the frontrunner for the Nationwide League MVP award, Ohtani would grow to be the primary full-time designated hitter to win the award in Main League historical past.
Former Angels outfielder Don Baylor got here the closest to reaching this feat in 1979. The American League MVP began in 65 video games as designated hitter, 98 within the outfield, and one at first base.
Due to this fact, Ohtani can be the primary participant to win in a season when he solely began as his crew’s designated hitter.
Full-time designated hitters have been finalists for the award earlier than, ending as excessive as second place 4 occasions. Purple Sox’s designated hitter David Ortiz almost missed the mark in 2005, when he obtained 11 first place votes however nonetheless completed in second place.
There was an ongoing debate whether or not full–time designated hitters ought to win the award. With no defensive contribution to their crew’s success, some individuals argue that MVPs should be helpful each offensively and defensively.
Nevertheless, one-way gamers have gained the award earlier than — as pitchers. Dodgers beginning pitcher Clayton Kershaw was topped the 2014 NL MVP, regardless of scarcely contributing offensively.
“MVP must be all-encompassing on what’s the most useful. Clearly protection performs a component in that,” Kershaw stated to the Orange County Register’s Invoice Plunkett a couple of designated hitter profitable the award. “However for those who’re that good offensively that you just’re extra helpful, then I feel it’s okay.”
Ohtani might not contribute defensively, however he’s greater than only a residence run hitter. He’s on observe to grow to be the primary 50-50 participant in MLB historical past. Few of the MLB residence run leaders even have a knack for stealing bases. Ohtani leads the NL in homers (44) and ranks second within the Main Leagues in stolen bases (46).
The one NL participant to return near Ohtani’s residence run and base stealing talents is Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor. He’s the principle competitors Ohtani appears to be going through as a result of Lindor additionally contributes defensively as New York’s on a regular basis shortstop.
Though Ohtani is proscribed to plate appearances, he has persistently completed history-making feats and damaged report after report this season. Arguably, it could be a disgrace to see the NL MVP award go to anybody else.
Photograph Credit score: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports activities
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