MLB insider backs Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP, predicts a historic first amid Dodgers DH's top season

Veteran MLB insider Jon Heyman believes Shohei Ohtani will be named the MVP in the National League despite playing exclusively as a designated hitter this season.

Heyman has backed the Japanese superstar to be crowned the MVP for the third time in his career, creating history by becoming the first full-time DH to secure the honor.

On Wednesday, Jon Heyman told Bleacher Report, a short video clip of which was posted by B/R Walk Off on X.

"I do believe Shohei Ohtani is the MVP at this point. He would be the first full-time DH to win MVP," Heyman said.

"Right now, [Mookie] Betts having missed two months, the other guy that is having a great year also being a DH is Marcell Ozuna. I do believe that Ohtani is the MVP in the National League," he added.

Shohei Ohtani is having an outstanding year at the plate, giving up pitching duties for the 2024 season as he recovers from an elbow injury sustained last season. Ohtani leads the NL in extra-base hits, slugging, total bases, OPS, home runs and bWAR. He also ranks in the top three for batting average, total hits, walks, on-base percentage and RBIs.

Mookie Betts was an early frontrunner in the NL MVP race but dropped out of contention after spending a couple of months on the IL. Marcell Ozuna is having a great year as well, as the Atlanta Braves designated hitter leads the NL in RBIs, but his overall numbers pale in comparison to his Los Angeles Dodgers counterpart.

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Third MVP crown will secure Shohei Ohtani's place among the all-time greats

Shohei Ohtani could become the first designated hitter to be named the MVP (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Shohei Ohtani has also accumulated 33 stolen bases this season apart from 37 home runs, which is unprecedented for a DH. That puts him well within reach of completing a 40-40 season, something that has been achieved just five times in MLB history.

Ronald Acuna Jr. became the latest player to join the club after recording 41 home runs and 71 stolen bases en route becoming the NL MVP last year.

Ohtani is the reigning MVP of the American League after winning the award for the second time in his final year with the Los Angeles Angels. Winning a third MVP crown will cement his place among the game's all-time greats.

Only 11 players have been named the MVP at least thrice, and Ohtani could join his former teammate Mike Trout as the only active players in that exclusive group. He will also become only the second player, after Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, to be crowned the MVP in both leagues of the MLB.