Dodgers star becomes first in MLB history to win four MVP awards unanimously

[OSEN=Hong Jisu, Reporter] Shohei Ohtani, the 'superstar' of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB), was selected as the 2025 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP).

MLB.com and the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) announced the National League and American League MVP winners on the 14th (Korea Time). Ohtani was unanimously chosen as the National League MVP. He swept all 30 first-place votes in the BBWAA MVP voting.

With this award, Ohtani became the second player in history to win the MVP award the second-most times, following Barry Bonds' record seven. Ohtani, who was waiting for the results with his wife, said after winning the MVP, "Receiving a personal award, the MVP, is the cherry on top, but what matters most is the team's World Series championship. I sincerely thank my teammates, everyone around me, and the staff for their support."

As a hitter this year, Ohtani recorded a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, 172 hits, 146 runs scored, 102 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .392, a slugging percentage of .622, and an OPS of 1.014.

He ranked 2nd in home runs, 6th in RBIs, 13th in batting average, 2nd in on-base percentage, 1st in slugging percentage, and 1st in OPS in the National League. His home run total broke his own single-season record from last year.

As a pitcher, this was his comeback season after elbow surgery. Although he started pitching late, he recorded 1 win, 1 loss, a 2.85 ERA, and 62 strikeouts in 14 games.

MLB.com stated, "In baseball, there is no player who can create as much value as Ohtani by both pitching and hitting. When he is healthy enough to both pitch and hit, he demonstrates unmatched performance and has added another trophy to his collection."

Ohtani first won the MVP in the American League in 2021 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He then claimed his second MVP in 2023.

In his first season with the Dodgers, despite only playing as a hitter due to elbow surgery, he played 159 games with a .311 batting average, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, 197 hits, 134 runs scored, an on-base percentage of .390, a slugging percentage of .646, and an OPS of 1.036, delivering a monstrous season and winning the National League MVP unanimously for the second consecutive year.

This marks his second consecutive National League MVP, the 19th such feat in MLB history. According to MLB.com, Ohtani is the first player since Roger Maris of the New York Yankees in 1960-1961 to be named MVP for two consecutive seasons with the same team and the first since Joe Morgan of the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-1976 to achieve both MVP and World Series championship consecutively.

He has now won four MVP awards, all unanimously. Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to win the MVP award unanimously in every instance. MLB.com added, "Ohtani has built an unparalleled career and rich experience while excelling as both a pitcher and hitter. The MVP award has become a benchmark for his unprecedented journey."

Ohtani expressed gratitude, saying, "I am also grateful to the fans. They truly supported and cheered for us. When I look back on these special days after retirement, I am sure the fans played a big role."

Ohtani First Four-Time Unanimous MVP Winner