Los Angeles Angels‘ star Shohei Ohtani is showing a similar level to the one that netted him an American League MVP award last season, both as a hitter and as a pitcher.
As it turns out, he is already an early favorite to repeat in 2022.
“With the MLB season in full swing, Shohei Ohtani is the favorite to be named the American League MVP,” FOX Bet Live tweeted.
With the MLB season in full swing, Shohei Ohtani is the favorite to be named the American League MVP 🏆
(odds via @FOXBet // @MLBONFOX ) pic.twitter.com/GSyUwLOKkT
— FOX Bet Live (@FOXBetLive) May 17, 2022
According to the image, Ohtani’s teammate Mike Trout, who is also off to a strong start, has the second-best odds of lifting the award at the end of the year.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge, Jose Ramirez, Byron Buxton, Wander Franco, Luis Robert, Xander Bogaerts, and Yordan Alvarez are ranked third to tenth, in strict order.
Ohtani Is Already Starting To Separate From The Pack
Of course, it’s just an early exercise, but all those players are already leaving their marks on their respective teams.
No one has left a bigger mark than Ohtani, though.
As a pitcher, he has been even better than 2021, if that’s possible.
In 32.1 innings, his ERA is down to a stellar 2.78, and he has struck out a whopping 46 foes.
But he is also a top-notch slugger.
This year, Ohtani is slashing .257/.317/.473 with eight home runs and 27 runs and RBI.
He is starting to get in a groove after a sluggish start, and could soon start resembling his 2021 line of .257/.372/.592.
The Angels have surprised more than a few people with their play, but with Ohtani and Trout on the same lineup every day, it shouldn’t really be all that shocking.
The two men will probably finish among the five most valuable American League players in 2022.
