Shohei Ohtani Makes History as Unanimous AL MVP and Faces Unprecedented Free Agency

Shohei Ohtani, the free-agent two-way player formerly with the Los Angeles Angels, has won the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award unanimously, becoming the first player in MLB history to do so twice. Ohtani, who previously won the award in 2021, narrowly missed becoming the second player to win three consecutive MVP Awards. Despite injuries, Ohtani had an impressive season as both a hitter and pitcher, with a .304 batting average, 44 home runs, and a 3.14 ERA. Corey Seager and Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers were the runners-up.