Shohei Ohtani Surprises Everyone with His Picks for the Best Players of the Season and Chooses Only One Dodgers Player

Introduction

The world of Major League Baseball (MLB) has always been brimming with excitement, unpredictability, and fierce competition. Every year, fans, analysts, and players themselves weigh in on the best performers of the season. However, when Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way phenom, steps into the conversation, people take notice. Ohtani’s opinion on the best players of the season carries a unique weight, as he’s one of the most electrifying talents in baseball, having both a dominant pitching and hitting ability.

This year, however, Ohtani’s picks for the best players of the season have caught many by surprise. While most would expect Ohtani to choose multiple stars from the Los Angeles Dodgers — a team widely regarded as one of the most complete and successful in recent MLB history — Ohtani has opted for only one Dodgers player. This decision has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, as the Dodgers boast a wealth of talent, including some of the league’s top performers. In this article, we’ll analyze Ohtani’s surprising picks, delve into the reasons behind his choices, and assess the implications of his decision to pick only one Dodgers player in his best-of-season selections.

Shohei Ohtani’s Baseball Philosophy

Before diving into Ohtani’s specific picks, it’s important to understand his approach to the game of baseball. Ohtani’s versatility as both a pitcher and hitter gives him a unique perspective on what makes a player great. In his relatively short career in MLB, Ohtani has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in the game. His ability to dominate on the mound while also being an elite slugger has made him a fan favorite and an intimidating presence on both sides of the ball.

Unlike traditional players, Ohtani’s understanding of the game transcends the typical boundaries between pitchers and hitters. He knows the ins and outs of both roles, which allows him to evaluate talent from a different angle. His picks, therefore, are likely not just based on traditional statistics but also on a deeper understanding of a player’s overall impact on the game — from strategy and leadership to consistency and clutch performance.

The Surprising Lack of Dodgers Players

When it comes to Ohtani’s picks for the best players of the season, many were shocked to see only one player from the Los Angeles Dodgers included in his list. Given the Dodgers’ storied history of success, high-profile signings, and a roster loaded with talent, one would expect Ohtani to pick several of their players. After all, the Dodgers have multiple MVP candidates and Cy Young contenders, making it seem like a no-brainer to select several of their top performers.

The Dodgers’ Powerhouse Roster

Before examining Ohtani’s picks, it’s worth noting just how stacked the Dodgers roster is. From Clayton Kershaw, the future Hall of Famer, to Mookie Betts, who is widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in the game, the Dodgers have been a team to reckon with for the past decade. Players like Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Julio Urías have consistently delivered elite performances, further reinforcing the team’s reputation.

Ohtani, however, was selective in his choices, and his decision to only include one Dodgers player could be interpreted in a few different ways. Was it a statement on the team’s overall performance? Did he think other players had a more significant impact on the season? Or perhaps Ohtani simply felt that other teams had players who exceeded expectations in a way the Dodgers did not? Let’s explore these possibilities.

Mookie Betts: Ohtani’s Sole Dodgers Pick

The player Ohtani chose from the Dodgers is none other than Mookie Betts. Betts has been the face of the franchise since he was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2020 season. A former MVP, Betts has continued to be an elite performer both offensively and defensively. He is widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in the game, consistently contributing at the plate, in the field, and on the base paths.

For Ohtani, Betts represents the epitome of what makes a player stand out in today’s MLB. He’s not just a power hitter; he’s a five-tool player with speed, defense, and an innate ability to come through in clutch moments. Betts’ leadership and versatility are qualities Ohtani no doubt appreciates, especially considering his own dual-role as a pitcher and hitter.

Mookie Betts is a player who can change the course of a game in multiple ways. Whether it’s with his bat — where he can hit for power, average, and provide consistent run production — or with his glove in the outfield, where he consistently ranks as one of the best defenders in the game, Betts’ all-around game aligns with Ohtani’s approach to baseball. Betts also provides a significant amount of leadership in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, and his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments is something that resonates with Ohtani, who often finds himself in pivotal spots both on the mound and at the plate.

While Ohtani’s other picks might be surprising, the inclusion of Betts is not. Betts is a consensus top-tier player, and his status as one of the best all-around talents in the league makes him an obvious choice for anyone evaluating players objectively. But why did Ohtani not choose other Dodgers stars, like Freeman, Kershaw, or Urías?

A Deeper Dive into Ohtani’s Picks

When we look beyond the Dodgers, Ohtani’s picks for the best players of the season are even more surprising. Ohtani’s selections reflect not only an appreciation for individual talent but also an acknowledgment of players who are excelling under unique circumstances or in ways that might not always show up in the box score.

• Freddie Freeman: One of the top hitters in the league, Freeman has had an exceptional season, continuing to hit for both average and power. However, Ohtani may have seen other players outperforming Freeman in certain categories, such as home runs or defensive metrics.
• Clayton Kershaw: As a veteran of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, Kershaw has continued to impress, maintaining elite command and consistency. Ohtani’s decision to leave Kershaw off his list might be a nod to the fact that while Kershaw remains dominant, other pitchers might have had more of an impact during the season in terms of overall dominance or strikeouts.
• Julio Urías: The left-handed ace has been instrumental in the Dodgers’ rotation, but Ohtani might have seen other pitchers, perhaps in a different role or facing different competition, who stood out more for their versatility or success across a wider array of games.

The Impact of Ohtani’s Selections

Shohei Ohtani’s decisions to limit his picks to only one Dodgers player could signal a larger shift in how he views the game and the value of different types of performance. It might also suggest a deeper appreciation for players who bring an element of surprise, resilience, or versatility to their teams. The fact that Betts was the lone representative from the Dodgers may be a reflection of his ability to impact the game in so many ways, in contrast to some of his teammates who excel in more niche areas.

In addition, Ohtani’s choices reflect a broader understanding of baseball that transcends traditional metrics. He likely values players who contribute both on the field and in the clubhouse, providing leadership, grit, and the ability to step up in big moments. Betts fits that mold perfectly, while other Dodgers players might be seen as exceptional in specific areas but lacking the overall impact that Ohtani recognizes in a player.

Shohei Ohtani’s picks for the best players of the season, including only one Dodgers player, have sent waves through the baseball community. While many expected a more balanced representation from the Dodgers’ talented roster, Ohtani’s decision to choose Mookie Betts and exclude other high-profile stars reflects his unique perspective on what it takes to be the best.

As a player who thrives on both sides of the ball, Ohtani sees the game in a way few others can. His choices highlight the importance of versatility, leadership, and the ability to impact a game in multiple facets. While some may have been surprised by his omission of other Dodgers stars, Ohtani’s selections underscore the qualities that define greatness in today’s game.

In the end, Shohei Ohtani’s picks are a testament to the depth of his baseball knowledge and his keen eye for talent. As the season progresses and more players continue to make their mark, Ohtani’s surprising choices will undoubtedly fuel further conversation about what it truly means to be the best in baseball.