Could Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers) become the first designated hitter MVP in MLB history?

Ohtani, in his first season with the Dodgers, has put up MVP-caliber numbers through June. In 82 games, he's hitting .316 with 26 home runs, 62 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.034, dominating the National League (NL).

He leads the NL in batting average, home runs, runs (67), slugging percentage (.635), and OPS, while ranking second in hits (102) and third in RBIs and on-base percentage (.399).

According to 'OptaSTATS,' Ohtani is the third player in MLB history to record 100 hits, 25 home runs, and 15 stolen bases before July, joining Alex Rodriguez and Larry Walker.

In 1998, Rodriguez hit .310 with 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases for the Seattle Mariners but only finished 9th in the AL MVP voting. Walker, playing for the Colorado Rockies in 1997, batted .366 with 49 home runs and 33 stolen bases, winning the NL MVP.

Ohtani's achievements this season have sparked discussions about him becoming the first designated hitter MVP. After undergoing elbow surgery last year, he's focused solely on hitting and is outperforming every other NL hitter.

With Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies) recently placed on the injured list, Ohtani's MVP candidacy has strengthened. 먹튀검증

Japanese media 'The Digest' highlighted Ohtani's potential to achieve 200 hits, 50 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 120 RBIs if he maintains his current pace, bringing him closer to the first MVP award as a designated hitter.