On Thursday, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was awarded the National League MVP title in a unanimous decision, defeating New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who finished in second place. This remarkable achievement has sparked discussions regarding Ohtani's extraordinary season, noted for his offensive prowess that led him to become the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, recording 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
In response to the MVP announcement, the New York Mets took to social media, reminiscent of basketball star LeBron James' recent break from social platforms. The Mets briefly engaged in a social media hiatus, lasting just nine minutes, before returning to celebrate Lindor's outstanding accomplishments. Throughout the season, Lindor demonstrated his talent by hitting 33 home runs, driving in 91 runs, maintaining a .273 batting average, and posting an .844 OPS. Additionally, he stole 29 bases and scored 107 runs, playing a crucial role in leading the Mets to their first National League Championship Series appearance since 2015.
Despite the impressive statistics and pivotal moments from Lindor, such as his game-winning two-run homer against the Atlanta Braves that secured a postseason berth, this season proved particularly challenging in the MVP race due to Ohtani's unrivaled performance. While critics pointed out that Ohtani did not engage in defensive play, his offensive impact as a key contributor to the league's top team was undeniable. Lindor's stellar season may keep him in the MVP conversation for the upcoming year, as he and the Mets aim to build on their success.
