“If Shohei Ohtani had stayed in the American League, maybe Francisco Lindor wins his first MVP” – MLB insider on Mets star's standout season

Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor had remarkable seasons for their teams in 2024. Ohtani won his third MVP award of his career, first while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League.

Lindor, while playing well throughout the season for the New York Mets, he was named one of the finalists for the MVP. However, he did not win due to Ohtani’s historic 50-50 season.

During MLB Network’s "Hot Stove" on Friday, one of the hosts, Robert Flores, suggested that if Ohtani had stayed in the American League it could have been the first MVP win for Lindor this year.

"Francisco Lindor, if Shohei Ohtani had stayed in the American League instead of moving over to the National League, maybe Lindor wins his first MVP. He was that good this year," said Flores

MLB insider William Leitch shared his opinion about this topic during an appearance on the show.

"A lot of times these things come to narratives, right? Like, I didn't think there were a couple of years that Mike Trout probably could have won an MVP, another one. But people were tired of voting for him and someone else would kind of built up to that little bit," stated Leitch

"I think Lindor has that little bit, where he can maybe not be statistically the best player in the National League next year. But after what he did this year now he has established himself there. I think that it helps him down the line, a lot of times you work your way up to that point," he concluded.

Ohtani had a batting average of .310. He led the NL in offensive stats with 130 RBIs, 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases.

Despite an elbow surgery that prevented him from pitching, Ohtani contributed a batting average of .105, an OBP of .227 and a slugging percentage of .158, helping the Dodgers to clinch the World Series.

Francisco Lindor's historic season and the impact of Shohei Ohtani's dominance on the MVP race

Francisco Lindor - Image via Getty

Francisco Lindor played very well with an average of . 273, 33 homers and 21 stolen bases. He became one of only three shortstops in MLB history to manage 30 home runs and 25 stolen bases more than once. He played a critical role in ensuring that the Mets made it to the postseason.

Even though Lindor performed well, Ohtani's dominance lowered his chances at MVP. Had Ohtani stayed in the American League, Lindor would likely have gotten more recognition for his impressive season.