Shohei Ohtani clinched his first World Series title Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers topped the New York Yankees 4-1. Yet, despite his superstar status and expected NL MVP award, Ohtani’s postseason heroics were outshone in the Fall Classic by teammate Freddie Freeman, who claimed the coveted World Series MVP trophy.
Freeman’s Heroics Take Center Stage
While Ohtani had a stellar season, it was Freeman who powered the Dodgers through the World Series with a flair that couldn’t be ignored. The first baseman, battling through an ankle injury, went from a modest playoff showing to delivering fireworks in the World Series. His Game 1 walk-off grand slam and four total home runs were instrumental in securing the Dodgers’ victory, making him a clear choice for MVP honors.
Why Didn’t Shohei Ohtani Take the MVP?
The World Series MVP typically goes to the player who shines brightest in the championship series, and this time, Ohtani found himself outperformed by Freeman’s explosive offensive display. While the Yankees’ pitching staff kept Ohtani in check, holding him to two hits and no home runs, Freeman’s clutch performances turned the tide in favor of L.A.
Shohei Ohtani’s Postseason at a Glance
Though Ohtani’s playoff journey had its moments, the World Series wasn’t his strongest. His highlight came during the NLCS against the Mets, where he led the Dodgers in runs scored, while teammate Tommy Edman took the NLCS MVP title with his impressive hits and RBIs.
| Series | Games | OPS | Hits | BB | HR | RBI | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLDS | 5 | .623 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| NLCS | 6 | 1.185 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| WS | 5 | .385 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Ohtani’s postseason numbers fell short of his electrifying regular season, where he posted a 1.036 OPS, hit 54 home runs, and swiped 59 bases. Despite not adding any postseason steals, Ohtani’s first taste of October baseball and his well-deserved ring mark an unforgettable chapter in his career.
