Only a fool would attempt to discredit Shohei Ohtani’s talents as a two-way baseball player. At the same time, it’s not foolish to debate whether he deserves to repeat as American League MVP because there’s an argument to be made against the Angels star.
The Angels are again a miserable mess, 14 games below .500 at the All-Star break, and the team’s futility is the primary anti-Ohtani argument. I disagree, for the record, but am willing to listen to the other side of the story.
I’m also listening because of Aaron Judge, who’s making a strong case to be MVP, and it’s possible to have immense appreciation for Ohtani and still be pro-Judge. The Yankees own the best record in baseball, and Judge has a lot to do with the success.
“It’s Judge and it’s not that close at this point,” said Wayne Krivsky, who has had an extensive career in baseball management and is a former general manager of the Cincinnati Reds. “I just think it means something to be on a winning or contending team.”