Although the 2022 MLB season is over, some baseball fans are still in disbelief over Aaron Judge’s MVP win over the two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. Leave the fans, even Ohtani, at times, has expressed his anguish over his MVP loss in 2022. Notably, the Japanese star was involved in an extremely tight race with Aaron Judge for the AL MVP award. And if reports are true, then the Angels star has voiced his opinion once again on the same matter while the spring training is underway.
Ohtani was a gracious runner-up despite losing the award. Many fans felt that he deserved to win it, considering his elite performance over the season. And given his immense talent and form, it won’t be a surprise if Ohtani ends up winning the 2023 MVP. But let’s hear what the 2021 MVP has to say about his mindset regarding his MVP loss to Judge and how is he preparing for the next season.
Shohei Ohtani is looking to improve his game going forward
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Shohei Ohtani had a massive 2022 season, with many fans calling it his best year so far. But unfortunately, it was not enough for him to pick up the AL MVP award as he lost to Aaron Judge. But the Los Angeles Angels star does not seem discouraged. Ohtani recently opened up on losing the award to Judge and his mindset moving forward. The Japanese star is reportedly looking to improve his game and move forward. Bally Sports shared Ohtani’s statement via Twitter.
When asked about losing to Aaron Judge in the MVP race, Shohei Ohtani said he has more in him. 👀😤 @BallySportWest | @Angels | #ShoTime pic.twitter.com/DtyR7jSu3Y
— Bally Sports (@BallySports) March 3, 2023
According to the Twitter Post, Ohtani said, “Me, personally I feel like I have a lot more room to grow.” This is the right thought process for the Angels superstar to have going forward. He is only 28 years old now and indeed has time to further improve his already elite game. Following his MVP loss, Ohtani drew comparisons to Babe Ruth.
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This is a big year for the Japanese phenom as he enters his free agency after the 2023 MLB season. There are several teams in line to try to sign Ohtani even though the season hasn’t started yet. Analysts have predicted record-breaking numbers for his contract in free agency.
Ohtani is tipped for a $500 million contract
The 2023 MLB season is fast approaching and it may be the last year Shohei Ohtani suits up for the Los Angeles Angels. He will become a free agent after the upcoming season. Many teams are likely to enter a bidding war for his services. Analysts have tipped Ohtani to be the first MLB star to earn a $500 million contract.
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It will be interesting to see if that is truly the case and if so, which team picks him up. But the Angels star is focused on doing his best this season. What do you think of Shohei Ohtani’s mindset after losing the AL MVP award to Aaron Judge? Kindly share your view below in the comments section!