Shohei Ohtani (29‧ LA Angels) unanimously won the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP). Basically, his grades as a hitter were good. At the time, he competed with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto) for the top hitter.
At that time,메이저놀이터 Ohtani recorded 46 home runs and 100 RBIs, and even got a silver slugger in the designated hitter category. His adjusted OPS at the time was 157, 57% better than the league average. Although he stagnated a bit last year, he still made a name for himself as one of the league’s top hitters with an OPS+144.
However, it was argued that Ohtani is not yet in the ‘TOP 5’ as a hitter, that is, there are at least 5 better hitters than Ohtani. It is clear that Ohtani, who has both pitching and hitting jobs, is a great player, but at least in terms of hitters, it means that there are better hitters.
On the 26th (Korean time), Mark DeRosa of the Major League Network selected the top 5 batters he picked. Ohtani was not on this list. However, looking at the players on the roster, it seems that there is a reason for that. Hitters representing the day were put on the list.
In fifth place is Ronald Acuna Jr. (26, Atlanta), who is nominated for the National League MVP this year. Acuña Junior is showing the representative image of a Hota Junjok who hits well, runs well, and catches well. Acuña Jr., who has risen from a major injury called cruciate ligament rupture in his knee, is batting average of 0.332, 11 homers, 27 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.995 in 50 games of the season.
In fourth place is Freddy Freeman (34‧LA Dodgers), a symbol of persistence. Freeman appeared in 51 games for the season, batting average of 0.325, 9 home runs, 31 RBIs, and OPS of 0.956, still performing well. Freeman’s career batting average is 0.299, and at the current pace, the title of 30% hitter in his career is likely to be possible.
▲ Mike Trout, who has already been reserved for Hall of Fame induction as the best hitter of his time
▲ Freddy Freeman, one of the most consistent hitters in the league
Third place is Mike Trout (32‧LA Angels), who has been reserved for the Hall of Fame. Trout, who only played 36 games in 2021 and 119 games last year due to injury, is playing healthy this year. A healthy Trout is, without a doubt, a player. His batting average dropped slightly to 0.275 in 47 games this year as well, but he recorded 12 homers and marked an OPS of 0.891. Trout’s career OPS is 0.998.
In second place is Jordan Alvarez (26‧ Houston), who is considered one of the best in terms of his batting ability. Alvarez, who won the award by beating Ohtani in the American League designated hitter category last year, is wielding a batting average of 0.297, 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.003 in 43 games this year. As a player who mainly plays as a designated hitter, the defensive contribution is somewhat low, but at least one batting ability is certain.
Aaron Judge (31, New York Yankees), who hit 62 homers last year, was the American League MVP last year. Judge was hampered by an injury at the beginning of the season, but he is marching like never before. He has already hit 14 home runs in 41 games of the season, and has risen to the top of the home run division before he knows it. His OPS this year was 1.032, also leading the American League.