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2021 American League Most Valuable Player Ohtani’s status as a two-way star was in serious jeopardy as his elbow injury required reconstructive surgery, also known as Tommy John surgery. While it did not rob him of the ability to hit, he did not throw a single pitch in 2019 and pitched only 1 2/3 innings in 2020. That made the 2021 season that much sweeter for Ohtani and the Angels. He hit 46 homers, more than doubling his rookie total of 22. He also posted a .257 average while reaching the 100 RBI mark for the first time in a season and scored 103 runs. Additionally, he had 26 stolen bases and doubles. Yet, it was Ohtani’s performance on the mound that put him over the top. He started 23 games,

had a record of 9-2, and posted a 3.18 ERA while striking out 156 batters and walking just 44. Voters concurred that the season was historical, giving him all 30 first-place votes for AL MVP.

Watch this statistical breakdown of Ohtani’s dominant MVP-caliber 2021 season.

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Chapter 1: Greatest Moments