In the storied history of the MLB, few seasons have captured the imaginations of fans like Shohei Ohtani‘s 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While UCL surgery may have temporarily silenced his pitching arsenal, Ohtani responded by orchestrating perhaps the most remarkable offensive season in baseball’s modern era — one that culminated in his third Most Valuable Player award, an achievement as unprecedented as the player himself.
A Season of Individual Brilliance
The numbers tell a story that future generations of fans might mistake for fiction. Even as he rehabilitated from his second major elbow surgery, Ohtani crafted a statistical masterpiece that transcended traditional boundaries. His entrance into the exclusive 50-50 club wasn’t merely an achievement; it was a reimagining of what’s possible on a baseball diamond.
Leading the National League with a staggering 9.2 bWAR while serving exclusively as a designated hitter, Ohtani’s offensive prowess reached new heights — 54 home runs, 130 RBI and a league-leading 1.036 OPS that left pitchers searching for answers that simply didn’t exist.
The pressure of a $700 million contract might have buckled lesser players, but Ohtani seemed to draw strength from the expectations. His September surge — 10 home runs, 32 RBI and a blistering 1.225 OPS— secured the NL West title for the Dodgers while adding another chapter to his legendary season. The World Series championship that followed provided the perfect exclamation point to a year that transcended conventional metrics.
Breaking New Ground in MVP History
The historic weight of Ohtani’s third MVP award cannot be overstated. As the first full-time designated hitter to claim the honor, he shattered yet another barrier in a career defined by demolishing conventional wisdom. His unanimous MVP selection stands out in MLB history, a testament to his unparalleled impact on the game.
“This MVP, I’m just representing the Dodgers,” Ohtani said in his typical humble manner. “It was a complete team effort.”
There is a sliver of truth to that statement, especially when considering the amount of protection he had in the batting order. With players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez hitting behind him, MLB pitchers could rarely afford to issue Ohtani a free pass. After notching nearly 100 walks with an Angels team that had limited firepower in 2023, he only drew 81 bases on balls in 2024.
Managing the Road Back to Two-Way Player Status
The baseball world now turns its attention to 2025, where Ohtani faces new challenges in his recovery from recent shoulder surgery. While the procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder raises questions, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts maintains measured optimism. “I don’t think it will affect the offense,” Roberts said, though he acknowledged a likely reduction in stolen bases as Ohtani returns to his two-way role.
The complexity of Ohtani’s dual role presents unique challenges in his recovery. “There’s going to be a lot of conversations with Shohei, the training staff, the doctors,” Roberts added, emphasizing the need for careful management of the superstar’s workload.
Still, the outlook remains bright since the surgery affected his non-throwing shoulder, preserving hope for his anticipated pitching debut in Dodger Blue.
Looking Ahead
As Ohtani embarks on his 2025 campaign, the question isn’t whether he will continue to amaze, but rather how he’ll manage to surpass his own lofty standards. With both his pitching arsenal and offensive capabilities intact, the prospect of a fully healthy Ohtani terrorizing opposing teams in multiple ways once again has already set the baseball world buzzing with anticipation. If 2024 proved anything, it’s that betting against Ohtani’s ability to make history might be a bit foolish.
The stage is set for another remarkable season, and as spring training approaches, one thing remains certain — baseball’s most unique talent shows no signs of slowing down. The only question that remains is what records he will break next.