MLB has just witnessed an unprecedented phenomenon in the history of the league: Shohei Ohtani, a two-way player for the former Los Angeles Angels and current Los Angeles Dodgers, has become the only person to win multiple MVP awards in both the American League and the National League. From 2021 to 2025, Ohtani has continuously conquered the peaks, from AL to NL, and has become a living testament to the extraordinary ability of a versatile player.
Ohtani began his “transcendental” journey in 2021, when he was named the American League MVP, affirming his superior strength in both the pitcher and hitter roles. Not stopping there, just two years later, in 2023, he continued to win the AL MVP, solidifying his position as the Angels’ top star.
In 2024, Shohei moved to the National League with the Los Angeles Dodgers and continued to make waves: in his first season, he was voted NL MVP, becoming the first player in MLB history to win MVP in both leagues in his career. Just one year later, in 2025, he repeated the feat, winning the NL MVP again, bringing him to the pinnacle of near-invincibility.
His on-field image, from his powerful batting, spectacular home runs to his ability to control the ball on the mound, has made Ohtani a symbol of a “two-way player” – a versatile player – that few can match in baseball history.
MLB commentators and experts have repeatedly emphasized that Ohtani’s achievements are not just impressive numbers. According to FanGraphs, his average WAR during this period was extremely high, not only surpassing other main pitchers or excellent hitters, but also showing a rare ability to balance pitching and hitting.
Memorable moments in Ohtani’s MVP seasons that made fans around the world admire: home runs 500+ feet, consecutive strikeouts, the ability to throw fastballs over 100 mph and simultaneously create game-winning hits. This is the reason why ESPN called him a “generational phenomenon”.
In a recent press conference, Ohtani shared:
“I always want to give my all for the team and the fans. Winning MVP is not the ultimate goal, but a testament to hard work, teamwork and relentless passion.”
Ohtani’s simple but emotional words reflect his humble attitude and are also a motivation for young players to learn. He was not only an outstanding individual, but also a model of work ethic and sportsmanship.
With back-to-back MVPs in both the AL and NL, Ohtani is redefining the concept of “best player of all time.” MLB will remember him not just as a great pitcher and hitter, but as a symbol of his ability to combine both roles in one singular career.
Fans, pundits, and teammates alike are eagerly watching next season, wondering how many more records Ohtani will break, how many home runs, strikeouts, and WAR he will record, and whether any future pitcher-hitter will be able to reach his level.
Shohei Ohtani is more than just an MVP; he is a living icon of MLB, a benchmark for a new generation of players, and proof that in sports, boundaries can always be broken.
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