Ohtani Wins MVP, But One Player's Impact Is Ignored: A Look at the Voting
Shohei Ohtani's historic 2021 season is undisputed. The Angels star became the first player in over 100 years to qualify for both the batting and pitching leaderboards, racking up a staggering 46 homers and 159 strikeouts. And his dominance earned him the American League MVP award, a well-deserved recognition.
But while Ohtani rightfully dominated the headlines, one player's impact seemed to slip through the cracks: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Guerrero Jr. put up numbers that rivaled Ohtani's. He led the American League in batting average (.311), on-base percentage (.401), and slugging percentage (.601). His 48 home runs were second only to Ohtani's, and he drove in a league-leading 111 runs. He was the heart and soul of a Blue Jays team that reached the postseason for the first time since 2016.
So, why did Guerrero Jr. finish second in the MVP voting?
Some argue that Ohtani's unique two-way skillset is unmatched, making him the obvious choice. Others point to the Angels' poor team record compared to the Blue Jays' playoff berth.
But it's worth noting that the MVP award is supposed to recognize the most valuable player, not necessarily the best player. Guerrero Jr. was undeniably valuable to the Blue Jays, and his impact on their success should not be overlooked.
There's no denying Ohtani's historical achievements, but Guerrero Jr.'s incredible season deserves more attention. He's a young, dominant force who should be recognized alongside Ohtani as one of the American League's most impactful players.
The MVP race is a hotly debated topic, and this year was no different. While Ohtani deservedly won the award, let's not forget Guerrero Jr.'s remarkable season and its crucial role in the Blue Jays' success.
