Shohei Ohtani Sets Sights on All-Time MLB MVP Record with Fourth Unanimous Win

Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what’s possible in baseball, winning his fourth consecutive unanimous MVP award on Thursday. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar’s rare combination of pitching and hitting excellence sets him apart not just from his peers, but from nearly every athlete in sports history.

Unlike other greats whose dominance can be partially explained by work ethic or coaching—Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, for example—Ohtani’s ability to excel as both a two-way player remains difficult to quantify. His mix of size, strength, speed, and mental toughness makes him a phenomenon unlike any seen before in Major League Baseball.

With four MVPs in the books, Ohtani now ranks second all-time on MLB’s career MVP list, just three awards behind Barry Bonds. While comparisons to other legends spark debate, few would argue that Ohtani’s unprecedented skill set deserves recognition alongside the sport’s greatest figures.

As he continues to perform at elite levels, Ohtani has a clear path to challenge Bonds’ record, provided he stays healthy and maintains his dual-threat approach on the mound and at the plate.

1. Ohtani’s Edge in the National League

Ohtani’s dominance is amplified by his move to the National League, where he faces less direct competition for MVP than some of his American League peers. While Aaron Judge has been the AL’s standout player, the NL lacks a single player with Judge’s combination of WAR and overall production. Stars such as Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Francisco Lindor, and Trea Turner populate the league, but Ohtani’s two-way contributions—both pitching and hitting—set him apart. Sharing a clubhouse with Hall of Famers Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also allows him to thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment. Advanced metrics highlight Ohtani’s impact: even ignoring his pitching, his WAR exceeds that of his closest NL MVP competitors. This statistical dominance underscores how difficult it is to match his contributions across multiple facets of the game. By excelling on the mound and in the batter’s box, Ohtani has positioned himself as the undisputed leader of the National League, with few obstacles standing in the way of additional MVP honors.

2. Dual-Threat Brilliance

Ohtani’s 2025 season reinforced his value as a two-way player. At the plate, he batted .282 with a .392 on-base percentage, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a 1.014 OPS. On the mound, he logged 14 2/3 innings of shutout pitching in September alone, demonstrating his ability to impact games in multiple ways. His versatility allows the Dodgers to deploy him strategically, whether as a power hitter, base-running threat, or reliable pitcher. This multi-dimensional approach is rare, giving Ohtani an advantage over traditional MVP candidates who focus solely on hitting or pitching. Health will be a key factor moving forward, as Ohtani has undergone multiple elbow surgeries and will turn 32 next July. However, his adaptability and track record of reinvention suggest he can overcome potential setbacks and continue to excel at the highest level. Ohtani’s skill set—elite power, advanced pitching repertoire, and strategic base-running—combined with a strong supporting cast, provides him the tools to pursue the all-time MVP record, a feat no player has achieved without extraordinary circumstances.

3. Chasing Barry Bonds’ Record

Barry Bonds dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning four consecutive MVPs with the San Francisco Giants. While Bonds’ accomplishments were likely aided by performance-enhancing drugs, his production set an extraordinarily high benchmark for future players. Surpassing Bonds’ seven MVP awards in a modern era of advanced pitching, specialized bullpens, and balanced rosters will be an arduous task. Few players possess the combination of durability, skill, and versatility necessary to achieve this milestone. Ohtani, however, defies conventional expectations. His two-way talent, consistent offensive production, and elite pitching give him a realistic path to challenge Bonds’ record, even in today’s competitive environment. With four MVPs already secured and the potential for more in the coming seasons, Ohtani may soon claim the top spot on MLB’s all-time MVP list, cementing his place as one of the greatest and most unique athletes in the sport’s history.