(New York) Shohei Ohtani was named the best designated hitter in major league baseball on Thursday, becoming the second player to win this title three times in a row after David Ortiz.
Ohtani won the Edgar Martinez Award with a .304 batting average in 2023. He led the American League with 44 home runs, totaling 95 RBIs, eight triples and 20 stolen bases for the Angels Los Angeles, despite the fact that his season in the batter’s box ended on September 3 due to an oblique muscle injury.
On the mound, the Japanese star claimed a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 167 batters and allowed 55 walks in 132 innings before suffering a torn ligament in his right elbow on August 23.
Ortiz won the honor in five consecutive seasons, from 2003 to 2007.
Ohtani this year beat Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves, Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies and JD Martinez of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Journalists assigned to cover teams, broadcasters and public relations departments could vote. Only players with at least 100 at-bats as a designated hitter were eligible.
Ohtani was also unanimously named the American Most Valuable Player for a second time, earlier this fall. He also had the title in 2021.
Ohtani became a free agent after the World Series.