Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was named a finalist for National League Most Valuable Player on Monday.
The Japanese had the distinction twice in the American League.
This year, Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, playing as the go-to hitter.
He became the first player with 50 or more home runs and 50 or more stolen bases in a season.
The 30-year-old superstar helped the Dodgers win the World Series, playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Ohtani was unanimously voted the American MVP in 2021 and 2023, with the Los Angeles Angels; in 2022 he finished second in the voting, behind Judge.
He did not pitch in 2024, following elbow surgery.
He signed a record $700M, 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
Frank Robinson was the only athlete to be named the Most Valuable Player in both leagues (in 1961 with Cincinnati and in 1966 with Baltimore).
Ohtani will battle with shortstop Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets and second baseman Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Outfielder Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees could become the American’s most valuable player for the second time in three seasons.
Also considered will be shortstop Bobby Witt of the Kansas City Royals and outfielder Juan Soto of the New York Yankees.
Paul Skenes, of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was named a finalist for the National Cy Young and the title of rookie of the year in the same circuit.
Skenes made his major league debut on May 11. He was 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA. In 133 innings, he had 170 strikeouts.
Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies were also named finalists for the National Cy Young.
In the American League, the Cy Young candidates are Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, Seth Lugo of the Royals and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.
For the NL rookie of the year, it will be between Skenes, outfielder Jackson Merrill, of the San Diego Padres, and outfielder Jackson Chourio, of the Milwaukee Brewers.
In the American, the recruits under consideration are Luis Gil and Austin Wells, both of the Yankees, as well as Colton Cowser, of the Orioles.
Stephen Vogt (Cleveland), Matt Quatraro (Kansas City) and AJ Hinch (Detroit) were nominated for Manager of the Year in the American.
In the National, this honor will go to Carlos Mendoza (Mets), Pat Murphy (Brewers) or Mike Shildt (Padres). The three were in their first season as managers in major league baseball.
Honor winners will be revealed next week.
The vote is organized before the playoffs take place.
