Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani has made headlines once again, securing the 2025 National League MVP award in a unanimous decision. Ohtani’s victory was confirmed on Thursday night, where he surpassed notable contenders Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and Juan Soto of the New York Mets. By receiving all 30 first-place votes, Ohtani marked a significant milestone in his career, earning his fourth MVP title.
This achievement places Ohtani in exclusive company, as he becomes only the second player in history to win four MVP awards, joining legendary slugger Barry Bonds, who holds the record with seven. Bonds is also the only other athlete to achieve three consecutive MVP wins, a feat Ohtani has now matched.
Remarkable Performance on the Field
Ohtani’s stellar season included an impressive batting average of .282, alongside a slugging percentage of .622 and a total of 55 home runs. He also demonstrated his speed by stealing 20 bases. Leading the National League in slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging (OPS) at 1.014, Ohtani’s impact extended beyond the plate. He topped all of Major League Baseball in runs scored with 146 and total bases with 380.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Ohtani returned to pitching following elbow surgery in September 2023. He made 14 starts, throwing 47 innings with a remarkable earned run average (ERA) of 2.87, complemented by 62 strikeouts and just nine walks. His performance as a pitcher added 1.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) to his value, culminating in an impressive combined WAR of 7.7, the third highest in baseball this season.
Competition Among Finalists
Ohtani’s competitors also delivered standout performances in the 2025 season. Kyle Schwarber, now a free agent, led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, finishing the season with a .240 batting average and 4.7 WAR despite playing primarily as the designated hitter in 154 of 162 games. Meanwhile, Juan Soto experienced a strong finish to his first season with the Mets, achieving new career highs with 43 home runs and 38 stolen bases. Soto ended the year with a .263 batting average and a 6.2 WAR.
The voting for the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) awards, which include Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP, takes place before the postseason. These awards celebrate regular-season performances, emphasizing Ohtani’s remarkable consistency and versatility as both a pitcher and a hitter.
With this latest accolade, Ohtani continues to redefine excellence in Major League Baseball, captivating fans and analysts alike with his unique talents and historic achievements. His journey is a testament to dedication and skill, setting a new standard for future generations of players.
