In a hypothetical case, Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani could be shut down and lose the remainder of the season.
If that happens, he would still deserve and win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the American League.
It doesn’t matter he hasn’t pitched in a while now.
It also doesn’t matter that the Angels aren’t going to make the playoffs.
The man has done enough already to be considered the greatest and most influential player in MLB, let alone the American League.
That’s why the league’s official Twitter account confirmed he is still the favorite to take home his second MVP award.
Our AL MVP poll remains unanimous.
Shohei Ohtani reigns. pic.twitter.com/RYQgQzUfOp
— MLB (@MLB) September 8, 2023
Every month, MLB conducts a poll with votes by their own experts.
Evidently, we are not the only ones impressed with Ohtani’s numbers, performances, and achievements.
He continues to lead the rankings, with Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager ranking second and Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez in third place.
Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros is fourth, making it a top-four sweep for the AL West division.
Yandy Diaz, the main man responsible for the Tampa Bay Rays’ excellent season, is fifth.
No one comes close to Ohtani, though.
He is slashing .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
His 1.066 OPS is the best in the American League.
As a pitcher, he boasts a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings.
He hasn’t played since Sunday because of oblique discomfort, and hasn’t pitched since last month due to ligament damage in his right elbow.
Still, at this point, no one doubts he will win the MVP award, and will probably do it unanimously.
NEXT: Randal Grichuk Keeps Producing Amid Awkward Situation
