MLB: Early candidates for Major League Baseball’s top awards
By Phil Akre
MLB American League Rookie of the Year – Shohei Ohtani
There’s no other way to put it, Shohei Ohtani has flat out delivered in his first few weeks in the major leagues.
He’s been as advertised since coming over from Japan, dazzling on the mound and at the plate. Through 42 at-bat’s, the lefty-swinging Shoei Ohtani is slashing .333/.378/.619 with a .997 OPS. Additionally, he’s hit three home run’s and driven in 11 RBI’s.
Los Angeles Angels
For what it’s worth, one of his home run’s came off Cleveland Indian’s ace Corey Kluber.
Regardless of who the home runs came off of, Shohei Ohtani has looked unfazed in his transition from the Nippon Professional Baseball League to the MLB.
On the mound, Ohtani took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Oakland A’s and has otherwise looked great. He’s compiled a 3.60 ERA with 19 strikeout’s in 16 innings of work.
He’s allowed just eight hits and four walks in this span, too.
As it stands now, there is no competition for Shohei Ohtani’s taking of the award.
If anything, Gleyber Torres could make a push, as could Miguel Andujar if he secures steady playing time.
Still, it appears this is Shohei Ohtani’s award to lose, barring a collapse of some sort.