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Shohei Ohtani has become the face of Major League Baseball. At a time when baseball fans are shifting to fast-paced games, Ohtani has come as an angel for the game. In every other game, he tries his best to entertain the fans.

And now, his efforts are finally getting well-deserved recognition. Yes! LA Angels’ two-way star has been nominated for multiple categories in ESPY Awards. He has received nominations for Best MLB Player and Best Male Athlete. 

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For the Best Male Athlete award, Ohtani will share the podium with NBA Champion Stephen Curry, NFL legend Aaron Rodgers, and Connor McDavid. It has just been four years since Ohtani made his MLB debut. And in such a brief span, he has established himself as one of the best players in the game.

Shohei Ohtani is going global

At 27, Ohtani has already become an MLB legend. And there is a reason. He is a two-in-one package in baseball. A dynamic force from the mound and a hitting machine from the plate, Shohei Ohtani is a Rolls-Royce in Major League Baseball.

USA Today via Reuters

Had he played for a bigger MLB franchise like the Yankees, Red Sox, or the Dodgers, the Japanese slugger would have achieved more in his career. Ohtani is a perfect two-way player. Therefore, he often draws comparisons with baseball great Babe Ruth.

Read more: WATCH: LA Angels Two-Way Phenom Shohei Ohtani Shows off His Wide Range of Pitching Techniques

Per MLB.com, Ohtani will compete with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid for the ESPYs’ Best Athlete, Men’s Sports Award in 2022.

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Meanwhile, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees are the other nominees for the Best MLB Player in 2022. Not to forget that Ohtani won this award in 2021 as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: Pitchers Nightmare Shohei Ohtani And Mike Trout Partnership Puts On A Home Run Blasting Show

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Talking about his performances in the current season, Ohtani has been one of the finest players in the league. As a pitcher, he has collected over 100 strikeouts, while he has smoked 18 home runs from the plate.

Ohtani has been a selfless contributor to the game. Hence, he stands a chance to win the Best Athlete Award. Do you think he will be able to beat Curry and Rodgers?