Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels had another fantastic statistical season in 2023, earning him a berth as a finalist for many Players Choice Awards.
Ohtani was a finalist in two categories: Outstanding Player Award and Player of the Year.
The two-way superstar hit 304/.412/.654 with 180 wRC+, 44 home runs, 95 RBI, and 20 steals. Ohtani had the strongest offensive season of his six-year career, putting up more points in a smaller sample size than the previous year.
He topped the American League in home runs, slugging percentage, wOBA, walk rate, and fWAR (6.6).
Ohtani has reached the finals in both categories for the second season in a row. Ohtani did not receive an award in 2022.
The Players Choice Awards have been given out since 1992, and recipients are acknowledged for their on- and off-field accomplishments. All accolades were decided late in the season through an in-person clubhouse vote by players from all 30 teams.
Ohtani is nominated for Player of the Year alongside Ronald Acua Jr. and Mookie Betts, with the winner being announced on Thursday, Nov. 2 during the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter on ESPN.
The Angels are still hoping to re-sign Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is slated to become the most sought-after free agent in MLB history next month and has offered no indication of his plans. Mike Trout hasn’t gotten any signals from his teammate, but he recently stated that he will try to persuade him to stay with the Angels.
Prior to his elbow injury, Ohtani was expected to sign a contract worth more than $500 million in total. Even if he does not reach that amount, he will pique the interest of numerous teams in the league.
The Angels’ major rivals for Ohtani are expected to be the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres since the predicted 2023 American League MVP Award winner is expected to want to stay in Southern California.