Shohei Ohtani’s dominant season has left most of the baseball world convinced that the 30-year-old is on track to win his third MVP Award.
However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Some analysts believe that the NL MVP race is still wide open.
In a recent appearance on MLB Network, veteran MLB manager Buck Showalter weighed in on the debate, discussing contenders for the NL MVP Award with Greg Amsinger.
Interestingly, Showalter advocated for New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“Lindor is a premium position guy. He can go 0-for-4 and still win a game. Those DHs can’t go 0-for-4 and win a game.” Showalter said in a clear shot at Ohtani’s overall value.
Having managed Lindor during his time with the Mets in 2022 and 2023, Showalter has seen the shortstop’s abilities up close.
According to Showalter, Lindor’s defensive ability, combined with his offensive contributions, makes him one of the most well-rounded players in Major League Baseball.
In contrast, Ohtani has spent the season as a DH due to an offseason surgery that sidelined him from pitching duties.
Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar continues to dominate offensively, leading the National League in several categories, including home runs, runs scored, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and total bases.
This offensive juggernaut comes on the heels of Ohtani’s MVP wins in 2021 and 2023, when he excelled both as a pitcher and a hitter with the Los Angeles Angels.
Showalter isn’t alone in backing Lindor for the MVP race. MLB analyst Mark DeRosa recently praised the shortstop’s fundamentals.
“Defensively, he [Francisco Lindor] is my favorite shortstop to watch. If you’re big on fundamentals and teaching the game to the youth, you’d show them him,” DeRosa claimed on a recent appearance on MLB Network.
Currently, Lindor is batting .274 with 30 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .844 OPS to go along with 26 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, Ohtani is batting .290 with 44 home runs, 99 RBIs, and a .988 OPS while snatching 46 bags.
With a month remaining in the season, both Ohtani and Lindor have put together spectacular bodies of work, leaving the NL MVP race as a legitimate topic of debate.
Having said that, Ohtani remains the heavy favorite to win the award … But do you think Lindor has a realistic chance?
Who would get your vote???