What a great year it has been for Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese sensation is on the path to establishing his name as the greatest baseball player of any generation. Proving the impossible possible, Shotime is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Even the Babe Ruth comparisons have ceased because Ohtani has long surpassed the most famous name in the sport. With his record-breaking ways, the slugger is now on an elite list.

For the first time in MLB, a Japanese player is leading his respective league in home runs. At 44, Shohei Ohtani is the AL leader of long balls despite missing almost all of September. Astonishingly, even with multiple injuries, analysts predict the biggest offer American sports have seen to come his way. The unicorn is already among MVP-worthy candidates and is now joining a list of esteemed former players.

Shohei Ohtani, Alex Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds on Popular List

In yet another year that has redefined the meaning of baseball, Shohei Ohtani is an overwhelming favorite for AL MVP. He was the unanimous winner in 2021 and the runner-up in 2022. This year, the two-way marvel has shattered and rebuilt the meaning of what is possible in the major leagues. For that display of talent, he has been bestowed with Baseball America’s MLB Player of the Year.

Not unexpectedly, Shotime won the honor in 2021 as well, when he put his pitching and hitting skills to the test at the same time. Becoming just the fourth player to win the title two or more times, Ohtani joins Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, who each won three times. Bonds and A-Rod have led their respective leagues in home runs multiple times in their careers. The SF Giants legend is also the unanimous league leader for long balls in a single season at 73.

It’s undoubtedly a tremendous honor, and the Angels player shared the post to his Instagram story as well. Another curious entity on the list is Mike Trout, the Japanese slugger’s Los Angeles Angels teammate, who has won the same title four times. But will they still wear the same uniform after 2023?

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani May Finally Part Ways

Shohei Ohtani’s upcoming free agency has been a hot topic all season long and despite predictions, there is no surety where he might end up. The pitcher will most likely leave the Halos behind, as well as teammate and friend Trout. Incidentally, the 11x All-Star was also rumored to be hauling it out of Anaheim after yet another disappointing season.

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But the ever-loyal center fielder has stated that he has no plans of switching teams. However, endless frustrating games later, Ohtani may not want to stay in the reds of the Angels and incur more losses.

It will be intriguing to discover which team Ohtani ultimately joins and whether Trout has a change of heart.

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