Ohtani Wins Unanimous NL MVP for Fourth Time

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was named the unanimous National League Most Valuable Player on Thursday, marking his fourth MVP award in five seasons and placing him alongside Barry Bonds as the only players in Major League Baseball history to win the honor more than three times.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America awarded Ohtani all 30 first-place votes, continuing a streak of unanimous selections that dates to his initial win in 2021. Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber finished second with 23 second-place votes, while New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto placed third. Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and Phillies shortstop Trea Turner rounded out the top five.

Ohtani's 2025 season showcased his dual-threat prowess after he returned from elbow surgery that sidelined him from pitching in 2024. As a hitter, he led the National League with a 1.014 on-base plus slugging percentage and a .622 slugging mark, while batting .282 with a .392 on-base percentage. He hit 55 home runs, second in the league to Schwarber's 56, drove in 102 runs and scored a major-league-leading 146 times. Batting primarily from the leadoff spot, Ohtani also...