Shohei Ohtani Named MLB's Best Player for 2026, Continues MVP Reign

Shohei Ohtani has been named MLB's best player entering the 2026 season by MLB Network, marking his fourth time since 2022 and second consecutive year, beating out Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. Ohtani won NL MVP in both 2024 and 2025, leading the Dodgers to back-to-back championships. He set new franchise home run records with 54 in 2024 and 55 in 2025, also becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. He was runner-up in 2023 to Ronald Acuña Jr.