“Small Price to Pay For the Real MVP” – LA Angels Shock the MLB World by Setting a New Record to Keep Two-Way Phenom Shohei Ohtani

From fielding in the outfield to hitting more than 30 home runs, and pitching over 200 strikeouts, is there anything Shohei Ohtani can’t do? Strikingly, the youngster competing for the American League MVP award in 2022, also won the award in 2021. However, this year Ohtani competes with the mighty, Aaron Judge.

Before the 2021 offseason, Ohtani signed a two-year contract extension for $8.5 million with the Angels to avoid arbitration. Since then, through 2021 and 2022, the superstar has repeatedly proved his worth. And in return, Ohtani has bagged a 500% increase in his 2023 contract.

The incredible journey of Shohei Ohtani so far

Jeff Passan and Angels PR reported that the Los Angeles Angels and Shohei Ohtani agreed to a $30 million with the righty pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder, for one year to avoid arbitration. Analogous to that, by the end of 2023, Ohtani will enter the free market.

Jeff Passan added, “It’s the largest salary ever for an arbitration-eligible player and will be his final number before he hits the free agent jackpot following the 2023 season.”

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After the signing became official, MLB fans reacted. However, only some were happy about this contract.

With mid-range performances and injuries, Ohtani’s entry to the MLB was average at best. As an illustration, after winning MVP in 2021, the pitcher-slugger has only continued to impress and should be looking at a record-breaking bag of money after reaching the free market.

Who will win the MVP race this year?

The 2022 MVP race is a tricky one. While both Ohtani, and Judge, have witnessed the best season of their careers, the Halos and Pinstripes have been completely poles apart. The Yanks have sealed the East Division. On the other hand, crediting a poor season, the Angels have officially bid adieu to the postseason. By the same token, while Aaron Judge has 61 home runs, Ohtani has 34 home runs and 213 strikeouts.

Who do you think deserves to win the American League MVP award?

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Let us know your valuable thoughts in the comments below.