A Powerhouse Trio
The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in the offseason by signing the versatile Shohei Ohtani to a 7-year, $70 million contract. Ohtani, along with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, is set to form a formidable MVP-caliber lineup for the Dodgers.
Challenging a Legendary Record
According to MLB.com, both Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani have the potential to break a historic record this season by becoming only the second pair of players in history, after Frank Robinson, to win MVP awards in both the American League and the National League.
Top Performers in the Previous Season
In the previous MVP voting, Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman all ranked in the top three. With Ohtani joining the Dodgers this year, the team becomes only the fifth in MLB history, and the first since the 2004 New York Yankees, to have three MVP-caliber players on their roster simultaneously.
A Rare Achievement
In terms of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) value, a statistic measuring a player’s overall contribution to their team’s success, Betts, Ohtani, and Freeman all ranked in the top five in the league last season. If they achieve this feat again this season, they will become only the third team since 1900 to have three teammates simultaneously ranked in the top five in WAR during the regular season. The last team to accomplish this was the 1984 Cleveland Indians.
Competing for a Historic Record
Moreover, Betts and Ohtani are in contention to achieve a remarkable milestone this season. Since Betts won the AL MVP in 2018 and Ohtani won it in 2021 and 2023, if either player secures the NL MVP this year, they will join the legendary Frank Robinson as the only players in MLB history to win MVP awards in both leagues.
A Momentous Opening Day Lineup
It’s worth noting that on the opening day of the MLB season, the Dodgers have confirmed that Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman will occupy the top three spots in the batting order. This marks the first time since 1996 with the Boston Red Sox that a lineup has featured three former MVPs in the top three spots, and only the fourth time in MLB history that a team has had three former MVPs batting in the top three spots.
A Display of Talent
With such an impressive lineup, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming season, with Betts and Ohtani leading the charge as they aim for individual accolades and team success.(Nice88)