"Escalates past Ronald Acuna Jr." – MLB insider asserts Shohei Ohtani’s potential 50-50 season tops Braves superstar's MVP-winning 40-70 campaign
Thanks to the likes of players such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuna Jr., baseball fans have been treated to a plethora of true superstar talents. However, when it comes to which player might be the most dynamic and arguably better than the rest, it's difficult to deny what Ohtani has been doing at the plate this season.
The two-time AL MVP has been a force at the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season despite having to overcome a number of obstacles. From the pressure of living up to the richest contract in baseball history to changing teams, recovering from elbow surgery and having his former interpreter stealing money from him, Ohtani could easily have folded under the pressure.
However, instead of struggling, Ohtani has put together one of the most impressive seasons in history. The Dodgers designated hitter is on the verge of becoming the first player in MLB history to record a 50-home run, 50-stolen base season.
While Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. put together a 40-home run, 70-stolen base season last year, MLB insider Xavier Scruggs thinks Ohtani's 2024 campaign is more impressive than Acuna Jr.'s exploits last year. On an episode of MLB Network on Thursday, Scruggs pointed out the adversity that Ohtani has to overcome to reach these heights.
"All of those things, while honing in to be the best version of himself as a hitter this year, that's what escalates everything past what Ronald Acuna Jr. did," Scruggs said [21:15].
When it comes to Ohtani's pursuit of 50 homers and 50 stolen bases, the two-time MVP's exploits have not come at the cost of victory, something that Scruggs appreciates.
"I look at how he's had opportunities being clutch too. It's not just doing it with nobody on base or when they're down 9-0, no, he's doing it in big moments [21:30]," Scruggs said.
Shohei Ohtani has sparked a debate on whether or not a designated hitter should win an MVP Award
Even though Shohei Ohtani has a legitimate shot to become the first player to record a 50-50 season, some believe that a designated hitter should not be considered for an MVP Award.
Those opposed to the idea of Ohtani being named the NL MVP have pointed to the contributions of New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor on offense and defense. Lindor's impact on defense has been just as important as his performances at the plate, which some feel should not be overlooked regardless of whether Ohtani gets 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.