Los Angeles Dodgers phenomenon Shohei Ohtani has added yet another milestone to his extraordinary baseball career, winning his fourth Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 31-year-old superstar was officially named the National League MVP, marking the third consecutive season and fourth time overall that he has captured baseball’s most prestigious individual honor.

Ohtani’s latest award comes after a season in which he was once again the driving force behind the Dodgers’ success. His elite two-way performance—combining dominant pitching with explosive power at the plate—helped Los Angeles secure back-to-back World Series titles, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month.

A Historic MVP Run: Only Barry Bonds Ahead

With his fourth unanimous MVP selection—every one of the 30 voters placed him first—Ohtani now sits second on MLB’s all-time MVP list, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven between 1990 and 2004. No player in modern baseball has come close to matching Ohtani’s unique ability to excel at the highest level both as a pitcher and a hitter.

Speaking through an interpreter after the announcement, Ohtani emphasized team success over personal accolades:

“If I’m playing well as an individual, that means I’m helping the team win. Hopefully I can end up with a couple more MVPs, but it’s all about winning games.”

First Player Ever to Win MVP in Both the AL and NL

Ohtani’s career continues to break barriers. With this season’s National League victory, he becomes the first player in MLB history to win MVP awards in both leagues. He previously earned American League MVP honors in 2021 and 2023 during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.

His transition to the Dodgers has only elevated his legacy. In 2024, he blasted 55 home runs, continued to deliver on the mound, and helped turn the Dodgers into one of the most dominant teams of the modern era.

Aaron Judge Claims American League MVP for Third Time

While Ohtani made headlines in the National League, the American League MVP award went to New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who secured his third career MVP. Judge—who previously won in 2022 and 2024—joins a legendary group of Yankees icons: Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle, all three-time MVPs.

The 32-year-old slugger expressed disbelief at being mentioned alongside such historic figures:

“It’s mind-blowing. I play this game to win for my team-mates, my family, and the fans. You have to pinch yourself every day. It’s truly an incredible honour.”

Judge’s consistency, leadership, and power at the plate continue to solidify him as one of the most influential players in the league—and the face of the Yankees’ current era.

Ohtani’s Legacy Continues to Grow

As Ohtani enters the next chapter of his career with the Dodgers, his legacy appears destined to reach unprecedented heights. With four MVP awards—each unanimous—World Series dominance, and a once-in-a-century skill set, he is carving out a place among the greatest baseball players of all time.

Fans and analysts alike continue to marvel at how much further he can elevate his game. And if this season was any indication, the Ohtani era is far from over.