Awards Week: Unanimous MVPs 🏆

11/17/2023 Awards Week: Unanimous MVPs 🏆

By: Jeff Yoder

Shohei Ohtani (Angels) & Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves) Named Unanimous 2023 MLB MVPs

We had to borrow the MLB’s graphic for this one — just too good. The BBWAA has spoken, and the 2023 MLB MVPs were unanimous selections. Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. left little doubt of their MVP status this past season. Acuna Jr. shattered records all year long while leading the Braves to a league-best 104 wins. Ohtani’s two-way brilliance solidified his second MVP honor (just in time for free agency) despite missing the last month of the season with an injury. Let’s break down some stats and wrap up awards week before the hot stove starts burning (all eyes on the Ohtani decision in the week ahead)…

 

AL: Shohei Ohtani (Angels)

Ohtani captured his second MVP honor in three seasons (2021) after a year with 44 HRs, 95 RBIs, a .304 batting average and 20 stolen bases, and that was just the offensive side. Shohei-the-pitcher was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 Ks. Again, the guy missed the last month of the season and was still a unanimous MVP winner. His asking price in free agency was already going to be a record, but another MVP only increases the value. 2nd Place: Corey Seager (Rangers) / 3rd Place: Marcus Semien (Rangers)

 

NL: Ronald Acuna Jr. (Braves)

We all knew this was coming for Acuna Jr. The Braves’ speedy superstar hit .337 in 2023, and he set MLB records with the first-ever 40-70 season (41 HRs, 73 stolen bases). He also tallied 106 RBIs, and the Braves were the surefire best team of the regular season. It’s the 25-year-old’s first MVP award, and it likely won’t be his last. 2nd Place: Mookie Betts (Dodgers) / 3rd Place: Freddie Freeman (Dodgers)

 

MLB Awards Week Recap

Rookies: Corbin Carroll & Gunnar Henderson

Managers: Brandon Hyde & Skip Schumaker

Wednesday: Gerrit Cole & Blake Snell

Thursday: Shohei Ohtani & Ronald Acuna Jr.

 

Image via MLB.com