What's happened
Shohei Ohtani secured his fourth career MVP award, leading the Dodgers to a second straight World Series title. The Japanese star hit 55 homers, returned to pitching after injury, and celebrated with his family and social media star dog. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge won his third consecutive AL MVP in a close race, highlighting his historic season.
What's behind the headline?
Ohtani's achievement of four MVP awards, including three consecutive, underscores his status as one of baseball's greatest players. His ability to excel both as a hitter and pitcher, especially after injury, cements his legacy. The unanimous MVP vote reflects his dominance and the global admiration for his talent. Conversely, Judge's victory, narrowly over Raleigh, highlights the ongoing debate about the value of offensive power versus overall performance. Judge's historic batting title and consistent excellence make him a rare player, but Ohtani's multi-faceted brilliance elevates his standing in baseball history. The close MVP race in the AL signals a competitive landscape, with players like Raleigh pushing the boundaries of offensive achievement. Overall, these awards showcase a season of exceptional talent and highlight the evolving nature of baseball excellence.
What the papers say
The Japan Times emphasizes Ohtani's historic achievement and his impact on Japanese pride, quoting Yukihiro Kosaka praising his dedication. The NY Post highlights the humorous celebration with his family and dog, Decoy, and details his statistical dominance. Al Jazeera notes the significance of Ohtani's fourth MVP, comparing him to legends like Barry Bonds, and discusses Judge's close race with Raleigh, emphasizing the historic nature of Judge's batting title and MVP wins. The Independent underscores Japan's national pride and Ohtani's return to pitching, framing his awards as a testament to his exceptional talent. Overall, the sources present a comprehensive picture of Ohtani's historic season and Judge's remarkable performance, with some variation in tone and emphasis.
How we got here
Ohtani has won MVP awards in both the American and National Leagues, playing for the Angels and Dodgers respectively. His 2025 season was marked by a return to pitching after injury, and he led the NL in OPS and home runs. Judge, a Yankees outfielder, had a standout season with a .331 batting average and 50+ homers, winning his third straight MVP amid a competitive race with Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 homers.
Go deeper
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