Dodgers’ Ohtani Clinches Fourth MVP Title Unanimously in Five Years
Shohei Ohtani has made history once again by clinching his fourth National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award unanimously. This remarkable achievement comes as he continues to redefine his role in Major League Baseball. He secured all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, following another stellar season both at the plate and on the mound.
Historic Achievement
Ohtani, who is now 31 years old, has won four MVP awards in the past five years. This places him just behind Barry Bonds, who holds the record with seven MVP titles. Ohtani’s recent accolade reflects not only his exceptional skills but also the success his team enjoyed, culminating in a championship victory.
2025 MVP Award Voting Results
| Player | First-Place Votes | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | 30 | 420 |
| Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies) | 0 | 260 |
| Juan Soto (New York Mets) | 0 | 231 |
| Geraldo Perdomo (Arizona Diamondbacks) | 0 | 196 |
| Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) | 0 | 102 |
Ohtani’s Impact in 2025
This season, Ohtani’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He achieved a batting average of .282, alongside a remarkable on-base percentage of .392 and a slugging percentage of .622. He hit 55 home runs, setting a franchise record for the second consecutive season.
Return to Pitching
Along with his offensive feats, Ohtani made a successful return to pitching after undergoing a second ulnar collateral ligament repair. He completed 14 regular-season starts, registering a 2.87 ERA and striking out 62 batters in 47 innings.
Playoff Performance
Ohtani’s prowess extended into the postseason, where he played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to their second consecutive National League pennant. In the NL Championship Series, he pitched six scoreless innings, accumulating 10 strikeouts while also hitting three home runs.
In the World Series, he continued to impress. During an intense 18-inning Game 3, he reached base every time, receiving four intentional walks. His dedication to winning was evident as he emphasized the greater significance of the championship over personal accolades.
Legacy of a Two-Way Player
Shohei Ohtani is not just a player; he transcends traditional roles within baseball. He is the first in history across the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL to win both an MVP and a championship in each of his first two seasons with a team. Since becoming a full-time two-way player in 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani has recorded 44.4 FanGraphs wins above replacement, leading the majors.
- Second on the list is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees with 42.8 WAR.
- Ohtani joined the Dodgers on a heavily deferred 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023.
As Ohtani continues to rewrite baseball history, his reliance on his teammates and support staff demonstrates his commitment to the game. He remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration in Major League Baseball.
