"Why does this sound like AI?" - MLB fans playfully roast Shohei Ohtani's 2024 NL MVP Award acceptance speech in English

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani claimed the 2024 National League MVP after a historic first season with the team. However, Ohtani was not present to collect the honor in person at the 100th Annual Baseball Writer's Dinner owing to the wildfire crisis that is raging in various parts of California.

Nevertheless, Shohei Ohtani had sent out a pre-recorded acceptance speech in English to offer his gratitude while he dedicated the award to the first responders and firefighters that are battling the crisis in Los Angeles. Fans were certainly not expecting Ohtani to speak in English, with some arguing on social media that the voice was AI-generated.

"I'd like to start off by thanking the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization for the opportunity they gave me to play for this historical franchise. Thank you to all the owners, led by Mark Walter, and to the entire front office, especially Stan Kasten, Ron Rosen, Andrew Friedman, and Brandon Gomez. To all my teammates, and coaching staff, trainers, and all the behind-the-scenes staff for helping and encouraging me throughout IU.

To the fans, I felt your support every day. And also, a special shoutout to Will Ailton. to my support group, starting with my agent Nez Varelo. Thank you for all that you do. CAA Sports, Matt, Julia, Carly; thank you. To my beautiful wife. Thank for always being there for me. And to my family and friends for their support.

"Lastly, I want to dedicate this award to the entire city of Los Angeles. To all first responders, firefighters, and the fire department for their heroic efforts to combat these fires in Los Angeles. Stay strong and united. We will get through this."

Fans offered their reactions to the speech from Shohei Ohtani on X.

"Why does this sound like AI?" asked one fan.

"Since when he speak English this good?" another fan asked.

"He’s only speaking English to confirm that’s not him on the phone," another fan remarked.

There were a few more jibes at Shohei Ohtani from the fans.

"Why didn’t he thank Ippei?" one fan quizzed.

"Forgot to thank his fall guy," another fan said.

"Thank you to my translator who took the fall for me," said another fan.

Recently The Athletic had released an audio recording of a conversation between Shohei Ohtani's former translator Ippei Mizuhara and a bank employee. Mizuhara had posed as the Dodger superstar to make wire transfers from Ohtani's account.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families: Condolences from Shohei Ohtani to victims of California wildfire

Shohei Ohtani won the World Series in his first season with the Dodgers (Image Source: Imagn)

Earlier in his pre-recorded speech, Shohei Ohtani explained how the wildfire crisis in California has affected him and his family. He sent his thoughts out to everyone affected by the natural disaster.

"The recent devastating fires in Los Angeles that affected us has made it very difficult for so many reasons for me and my family to attend," he said. "My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families that lost their homes and loved ones, all the families affected by the fires, and all the animals displaced or lost."

As per NBC News, 28 people are known to have lost their lives to the wildfire in the Los Angeles area since January 7.