LOS ANGELES — Although there are more than two months to go in the season, J.D. Martinez has no doubt about who the American League MVP is this season.
Shohei Ohtani.
“I think it’s a no-brainer,” the Boston Red Sox slugger said. “How are you going to compete with Ohtani? He’s gonna win it for the next five years. As long as he pitches and he hits, you’re not going to beat him.
“Look at (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) last year. If Vladdy didn’t win it, nobody’s going to win it. It’s too much. If you look at the WAR numbers, the value numbers, who else can affect the game both sides? Just change the name of it to The Ohtani Award.”
The Angels’ two-way star was the unanimous MVP last season, when he belted 46 homers with a .965 OPS, to go with nine victories and a 3.18 ERA. This year he has been a better pitcher (a 2.38 ERA), but not quite as good as a hitter (19 homers, .835 OPS).
Ohtani and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge are currently tied for the lead in WAR, according to FanGraphs, with 4.7. Judge is leading the majors with 33 home runs, and he has a .983 OPS.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton said he would vote for Judge.
“The things he’s doing on the field, defensively and at the plate, it’s fun to watch,” Buxton said. “Watching him on TV is very fun. I like Shohei too. I watch them both, but Judge is doing things this year that are pretty incredible.”
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager said it’s still too early to pick an MVP.
Cleveland Guardians infielder José Ramirez, Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers and Houston Astros DH Yordan Alvarez are the other leading candidates.
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