“Francisco Lindor plays defense, Shohei Ohtani doesn’t” - MLB Insider makes bold claim for NL MVP as Ohtani-Lindor debate continues
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has been a big favorite to win the 2024 NL MVP award. Alongside him in the MVP race is New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who, after a tough start to the season, is now among the frontrunners for the award.
Both Ohtani and Lindor have sparked debate within the MLB fanbase, with discussions about who deserves to win the National League MVP award this season. Contributing to this debate, MLB Insider Michael Marino said:
“Lindor plays defense. Ohtani doesn’t. Lindor is the leader in WAR in the NL. Ohtani is not. Don’t be fooled, the MVP of the NL this year should absolutely be Francisco Lindor, but the Ohtani HR’s will wow the voters and it’s a shame.”
"Inside The Ravine" podcast host Blake Harris reposted Marino’s comments on X/Twitter, highlighting both Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor's stats, showing Ohtani’s WAR (7.1) being greater than Lindor’s (6.2).
However, in fWAR, Lindor has the edge over Ohtani, with a fWAR of 7.0 compared to 6.6. Due to his elbow surgery, the Japanese superstar has only been able to hit for the Dodgers during the 2024 season and is set to return to pitching in 2025.
With Ohtani entirely focused on hitting, the argument for Lindor, who is excelling defensively in a premium position, becomes stronger.
Ohtani has won the AL MVP award twice, but unlike in previous years where his pitching contributed to his MVP case, this season he has only been able to contribute as a DH.
Mets manager David Stearns opens up about Francisco Lindor’s stellar season with MVP possibility
Francisco Lindor is hitting .273/.343/.500 with 30 home runs, 84 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. Discussing his performance and MVP chances, New York Mets manager David Stearns said (via SNY):
"It's been an unbelievable season to watch. We're getting to the point I think where we're talking about perhaps the greatest individual position player season in the history of this franchise.
"I've been around some really special seasons. I've been around some MVP seasons. This is right up there with everything that I've seen on a day-to-day basis," he added.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani has been hitting .292 with 44 home runs, 99 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. The four-time All-Star could become the first player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
Who do you think deserves to win the NL MVP award this season? Let us know your pick in the comments section below.