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Dodgers' Ohtani Named NL MVP Award Finalist Again
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- Dodgers' Ohtani Named NL MVP Award Finalist Again
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Well, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter-pitcher Shohei Ohtani might not have had the type of season that reached his personal expectations, but that didn't mean he isn't among the elite in the National League.
Ohtani is yet again a finalist for the NL Most Valuable Player Award, something he won in 2024 and 2025. So, he's going for a personal three-peat right here.
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Ohtani did his best for Dodgers
The man known as "Shotime" has been an outstanding pitcher for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Last season, though, his pitching season ended on July 3. He dealt with right biceps tightness and left knee inflammation, which didn't clear up.
That left knee inflammation also affected his hitting even into the National League playoffs, but he did see time in the NL Championship Series against the eventual World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers . Ohtani even ended his home-run-less streak with a big blast in the playoffs.
Yet Ohtani would be the first one to tell anyone that he was not at 100 percent for Los Angeles. Ohtani is a great player and has established a level of success and professionalism, not only with the Dodgers but during his time with the Los Angeles Angels .
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Pitching-wise, Ohtani finished last season with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA. He made 14 starts, totaled 95 strikeouts, and ended with a WHIP of 0.95. That's some miniscule WHIP stuff right there.
Numbers not up to Ohtani's standards
How was he at the plate? Ohtani finished with a slash line of .255/.377/.889 with 30 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. In 26 postseason at-bats last season, Ohtani had five hits, one home run, and three RBIs.
Back in 2024, Ohtani, according to Spotrac , Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million dollar contract with the Dodgers, including $700 million dollars guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $70 million dollars. In 2027, Ohtani will earn a base salary of $70 million dollars, while carrying a total salary of $70 million. Ohtani's adjusted salary with the Los Angeles Dodgers is $28,216,994
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Needless to say, Ohtani probably isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
But Ohtani needs to focus on getting healthy during the Dodgers' off-season. The ballclub fell short in its search for a three-peat as a World Series champion. The Brewers just were the better team this season, getting revenge on being swept out of the NLCS in 2025.
Dodgers fans have come to be in awe of whatever Ohtani does, whether it is on the mound or at the plate. They hope "Shotime" can come back strong next season.
