Dodgers manager Dave Roberts predicts Shohei Ohtani could ‘lock in’ NL MVP race in 2025

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar designated hitter and starting pitcher, just racked up another major award, being named Male Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press on Monday. This is the third time that Ohtani has won the award, giving him the same amount of wins as NBA superstar Michael Jordan.

MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers - Source: Imagn

At this point in his career, it appears as if nothing is going to slow him down. He had to deal with over the last year, but he acknowledged that he could be on his way to more awards.

"Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again,” Ohtani said.

The voting was not close as Ohtani garnered 48 of the 74 votes cast. Leon Marchand of France came in second with 10 votes after winning four gold medals during the Paris Olympics.

Ohtani was named MVP of the National League this season and played a key role in the Dodgers winning the World Series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has benefitted from having the Japanese superstar in the middle of the lineup.

"It’s almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said.

Shohei Ohtani a favorite to win MVP award

The NL MVP Award is one that is decided by votes, but Shohei Ohtani has already locked up an endorsement from manager Dave Roberts. It would not be shocking to see Ohtani win the award again this season, something that Roberts believes will for sure happen.

There are still a few months before the start of the 2025 MLB season, and that will give Ohtani more time to recover. He recently shared an update on his rehab, and he acknowledged that he is taking small steps in order to be fully healthy again.