(C) Britannica

LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has once again made history, being unanimously voted the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2025 MLB season. Ohtani's historic achievement marks the second time an MLB player has won three consecutive MVP awards and secured his fourth career MVP trophy, further cementing his status as one of baseball's all-time greats.

Major League Baseball (MLB) officially released the results of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) MVP vote on November 14 (KST). Ohtani received all 30 first-place votes, accumulating a total of 420 points to claim the NL MVP award. This victory solidifies his remarkable run of three consecutive MVP titles and his fourth overall regular season MVP award.

Ohtani’s journey to this latest accolade is notable for its versatility and sheer dominance. While with the Los Angeles Angels, he earned the American League (AL) MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star, excelling both on the mound and at the plate. Last year, in his inaugural season with the Dodgers, he clinched the NL MVP solely as a designated hitter, a testament to his offensive prowess.

The 2025 season saw Ohtani return to his two-way role after recovering from elbow and shoulder rehabilitation. His performance was nothing short of spectacular. As a hitter, he posted a remarkable $0.282$ batting average, smashing 55 home runs, stealing 20 bases, driving in 102 RBIs, and scoring 146 runs, all while maintaining an exceptional OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of $1.014$. On the pitching side, Ohtani made 14 starts, recording a 1-1 record with a stellar 2.87 earned run average (ERA).

With this MVP, Ohtani now stands alone as the player with the most unanimous MVP selections in MLB history. He now ranks second all-time in total MLB MVP awards, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven. Ohtani also joins Bonds (who won four consecutively from 2001 to 2004) as the only player to win three MVP awards in successive seasons.

Adding to his historic resume, the Dodgers clinched the World Series championship for the second year in a row. This achievement makes Ohtani the sole player in MLB history to secure back-to-back MVP awards concurrently with two consecutive World Series titles. Ohtani’s sustained excellence and ability to contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game continue to redefine what is possible in modern baseball, setting records that may stand for generations. His remarkable 2025 season ensures his legacy continues to expand, further etching his name into the annals of baseball lore.

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