Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has made MLB history. The current free agent earned his second career American League MVP award Thursday evening.
In the process, Ohtani became the first player in the history of MLB to win this award in unanimous fashion twice. These two awards have come within the last three seasons, adding to Ohtani’s already legendary legacy.
At 29 years old and through a mere six MLB seasons, Ohtani is already making a place for himself at the table of all-time great players. He could soon head that table when all is said and done for the two-way phenom.
Just look at what Ohtani has done during his two MVP seasons. There has been nothing like it in the history of the game.
| Year | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | Wins | Losses | ERA | SO | WHIP |
| 2021 | .257 | 46 | 100 | .965 | 9 | 2 | 3.18 | 156 | 1.09 |
| 2023 | .304 | 44 | 95 | 1.066 | 10 | 5 | 3.14 | 167 | 1.06 |
Babe Ruth would be the only other real comparison to Ohtani in that he was a great pitcher and is considered one of the best hitters of all-time. But Ruth gave up his role as a pitcher following 1919 to become a full-time hitter. For Ohtani to be able to do both and win multiple MVP’s, it’s just sensational.
While Ohtani is unlikely to pitch next season after undergoing elbow surgery, he will return to the bump in 2025.
The significance of Ohtani’s accomplishment comes with the Japanese sensation currently on the MLB free agent market. He’s being linked to the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and even the Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s no surprise that pretty much every team with money to spend is in on the best free agent to ever hit the open market. He’s now likely in line for a contract worth north of a half billion.
Related: Shohei Ohtani and the top MLB free agents
Social media reacts to Shohei Ohtani winning MVP, making history
It goes without saying that those on the social media world and within Major League Baseball had their reactions to Ohtani’s historical accomplishment. Here are the best of the best.
Dude literally wanted his puppy to give him a high-five. It’s impossible not to like Ohtani.
Yes, unicorns are real.
The Los Angeles Angles are happy. For now. Whether that’s the case after Ohtani makes his free agency decision remains to be seen.
More of Ohtani with the puppers.