Shohei Ohtani has now claimed the title of top designated hitter for the fourth consecutive season, following three previous wins from 2021 to 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels. His latest accolade comes as no surprise, given that he was already a finalist for the National League MVP award after an outstanding debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The 30-year-old star was a key force in the Dodgers’ lineup, powering them to lead the National League in home runs and place second in total runs scored in 2024. Ohtani’s regular season was nothing short of historic: he hit 54 home runs, drove in 130 RBIs, and added 38 doubles, finishing with a stellar .310/.390/.646 slash line. In addition, he stole 59 bases, making him the first player in MLB history to achieve both 50 home runs and 50 steals in a single season.
Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable 2024 season was underscored by a league-best 1.036 OPS among National League players, trailing only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the top mark across the majors. Despite not maintaining his dominant form throughout the entire postseason, Ohtani still made key contributions with 10 RBIs in 16 playoff games. Ohtani’s incredible impact came after signing a blockbuster 10-year, $700 million contract to join the Dodgers. In just his first season, he has already exceeded lofty expectations, proving to be worth every penny of his record-breaking deal.
Although the two-way phenom is expected to return to pitching in 2025, he may not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. Nonetheless, he will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Dodgers as one of the league’s elite hitters, especially after winning his fourth consecutive Outstanding Designated Hitter award.
