Shohei Ohtani created an uproar with his standout signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But when it was announced that he would not pitch this season because of the UCL injury, most fans thought that the two-way icon would face a problem with his hitting. But oh my, has he proved everyone wrong? He is hitting and how—he etched his name into the prestigious 40-40 club. He not only got into the exclusive club but also got there the fastest, in a mere 126 games, 21 faster than any of the existing quintet already in the club.

The way the Japanese Los Angeles Dodgers player is hitting, he seems to be on pace to reach 50-50 club, somewhere no one has reached before him! If Shohei Ohtani manages to make it there—he will be creating history. By now, everyone’s been thinking that Ohtani is now set to win the NL MVP award, right? Well, not everyone thinks so! Another contender is giving him tough competition- Francisco Lindor. And seems like Lindor has plenty of people on his side. Recently, a sportscaster threw major shade at Ohtani, saying Francisco Lindor deserves more than Ohtani. 

Shohei Ohtani dissed by sportscaster Ryan Finkelstein

They say you can’t please everyone, and it seems like it’s true. Despite joining an elite club with only five other members, recognition has been elusive for Ohtani. On the “Locked on Mets” podcast on YouTube, sportscaster Ryan Finkelstein made a case for Lindor, emphasizing his all-around contributions. According to Finkelstein, unlike Ohtani, Lindor, the Mets star, is a more complete player. I will not give Ohtani credit for being more valuable than Francisco Lindor when Shohei Ohtani plays about seven to 10 minutes a night as a designated hitter,” said Finkelstein.

But he didn’t stop there. He not only dissed the Dodgers superstar for a measly 10 minutes on the field but also completely ignored Ohtani’s achievements. Ryan Finkelstein said, “He gets to go down to the tunnel, take as many swings as he wants, maybe get some massage in between innings, we do not know what’s going there. Shohei Ohtani has a much easier job than Francisco Lindor.” Given that Ohtani is hitting the way he is with an injury, easy is the last thing to describe his job as.

But there is no denying that Lindor is making a strong case for the National League MVP. On Saturday, he smashed two home runs and drove in five runs for a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. It’s not just his bat, even his defense was insane, stopping two 99 mph rockets and making clutch plays. No doubt, the guy’s got all—but Ohtani’s been stellar too, in fact after smashing that 40-40, he even did his 41st home run! But if you think that Ryan Finkelstein is making such claims, you are absolutely wrong because there are more supporters of Francisco Lindor.

Can Francisco Lindor steal the NL MVP crown?

Francisco Lindor is possibly having one of the best seasons of his career. He is hitting .269 and has 27 home runs, 78 RBI, and a .826 OPS. Despite Ohtani being present, he is considered a match to contend for the NL MVP! And just like Finkelstein, there are even others like Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo from “The Mets Pod” who think that Lindor could steal the MVP award from right under Ohtani’s nose. On the SNY’s weekly podcast, Rogers and DeMayo discussed Lindor’s chances. Roger said, “The conversation around Francisco Lindor right now all the hype is justified [and] warranted. There is going to be, I think right down to the wire, a fascinating debate between him and Shohei Ohtani. Because there is no denying that Ohtani from just an offensive standpoint as a DH is a 40-40 season before September.”

Roger further added, “It’s a remarkable feat of athleticism, the power of the speed, the kind of offensive player he is but on the flip side not only is Lindor having a great offensive year looking for another 30 30 year. But this is a guy that is a 99th percentile defender at the most important position in the field at shortstop, where Ohtani doesn’t play the field.” However, currently, the Dodger’s two-way superstar does look strong, even though Ohtani has solely focused on hitting this season. With 41 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and 94 RBIs–there isn’t a doubt that he is coming in hot for that award. 

But as always in baseball, surprises are part of the game. Who knows what will happen, expect the unexpected, right? Only time can tell. Who do you think will win the NL MVP award between Ohtani and Lindor? Let us know in the comments.