According to the online sportsbook, PointsBet, the race for the coveted Most Valuable Player award in the American League has come to an unexpected conclusion. The sportsbook has made a bold declaration by proclaiming Shohei Ohtani, the impressive pitcher and designated hitter for the Angels, as the winner. This announcement comes well before the official award announcement scheduled for November, leaving fans in awe.
Shohei Ohtani, who began the season as a +175 favorite, has seen his odds steadily evolve. By June, his odds had decreased to +125, indicating his growing potential to secure the MVP title. Notably, Ohtani’s odds took a dramatic turn, decreasing to -10000 after the Angels decided to retain him amidst swirling trade rumors. This drastic shift implies an astonishing 87.5% likelihood that Ohtani will clinch the award.
Throughout the current season, Ohtani, a 29-year-old athlete, has shattered records and amazed audiences with his exceptional performances. During a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, Ohtani exhibited his versatility by pitching a complete game while conceding only one hit. Impressively, he followed up this pitching feat with a stellar display of power, hitting two home runs in the subsequent game just hours later.
Ohtani’s prowess extends to both his pitching and hitting abilities. Sporting a remarkable 3.32 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP from the mound, he has also emerged as a leader in Major League Baseball, boasting a slugging percentage of .672 and an impressive tally of 40 home runs. With Ohtani’s impending free agency after the 2023 season, speculations run wild regarding the potential for him to sign one of the most significant contracts in the history of MLB.
Despite Ohtani’s exceptional success, the Angels have recently faced challenges, experiencing a six-game losing streak following the trade deadline. This losing streak has caused them to fall behind by seven games in the AL Wild Card race. Nevertheless, Ohtani remains a pivotal figure for the team, even as he deals with a bothersome blister on his throwing hand, which has occasionally led to his early exit from games. Remarkably, he continues to perform at an exceptionally high level, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the game and his team.
