Shohei Ohtani carried the weight of the Los Angeles Angels offense in 2023, putting him on track as the favorite to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award. Major League Baseball recognized him as one of the top hitters in baseball, naming him as a recipient of his second career Silver Slugger Award.
Voted on by MLB managers and coaches, Silver Slugger Awards are given out to each position, three outfielders, and one utility slot in each league. MLB also implemented an award for total team for the first time.
Ohtani led the AL in home runs (44), wRC+ (180), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), and posted a walk-rate of 15.2%, which also led the league. His 60.6 offensive value led all qualified hitters by a large margin, Yandy Díaz came in second with a 39.1 value.
His ability to both unitize a disciplined approach leading to immense power production has separated himself from the rest of baseball. Ohtani’s 2023 season was a force within an underwhelming Angels lineup that was a middle of the pack unit.
He led the AL in total bases with 325, while also posting a Major League leading 184 OPS+.
In a free-agent year for Ohtani, his best offensive season came at the perfect time, and figures to cash in with a record-breaking contract at his next destination.
Shohei Ohtani named Players Choice Awards AL Outstanding Player
In addition to his new Silver Slugger Award, Ohtani was named the 2023 Players Choice Awards American League Outstanding Player.
Nominated alongside Díaz (Tampa Bay Rays) and Corey Seager (Texas Rangers) for the honor, but was officially named the winner for the AL. Because of his ability to hit and pitch, his stranglehold on the league-lead in combined WAR will be his spot to lose.
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