BTN News: As the 2024 MLB season approaches its final stretch, Marcell Ozuna stands on the brink of an extraordinary achievement. The Dominican slugger has been nothing short of sensational, leading the National League in batting average (.309) and RBIs (94) while sitting just two home runs shy of Shohei Ohtani’s impressive total of 37. These staggering stats put Ozuna in the rarefied air of potentially capturing two parts of baseball’s elusive Triple Crown, a feat that has only been accomplished 15 times in the sport’s 148-year history. The last player to achieve this was Miguel Cabrera in 2012, the only Latino to ever do so.
Ozuna’s journey to this point is a testament to his perseverance and skill. Despite the Atlanta Braves dealing with significant injuries, he has shouldered the burden of carrying the team’s offense, helping them stay in the playoff hunt via the wild card. Yet, despite these incredible numbers, Ozuna’s name isn’t generating much buzz in the MVP race, where the Japanese sensation, Shohei Ohtani, appears to have a stronghold on the narrative.
Ohtani, often dubbed a “robot” for his otherworldly abilities, has added even more layers to his legend this season. While most pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery are sidelined for extended periods, Ohtani not only underwent the procedure but also continued to contribute in ways that defy expectations. His ability to combine pitching dominance with offensive prowess has already made him a fan favorite, and now, his speed on the bases has added another dimension to his game. Ohtani is on the verge of joining the exclusive 40-40 club—40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season—a feat only five players in history have achieved, including Ronald Acuña Jr. just this year.
For Ozuna, the challenge is not just about chasing these milestones but also about maintaining his focus amid the MVP chatter. He candidly admits that catching up to Ohtani is no easy task, acknowledging the Japanese star’s extraordinary capabilities. Ozuna’s strategy is simple: stay consistent, get hits, and help the Braves win. It’s a veteran’s mindset, focused more on team success than individual accolades.
The MVP race in the National League is a fascinating subplot to this season. Despite Ozuna’s impressive numbers, the odds are heavily in favor of Ohtani. Betting markets reflect this, with Ohtani being the clear favorite, while Ozuna trails behind, even falling behind the likes of Francisco Lindor in some assessments. In fact, DraftKings, a popular online betting platform, offers just a modest return on a bet for Ohtani to win MVP, whereas a bet on Ozuna would yield 200 times the investment—a clear indication of where the sentiment lies.
The broader conversation surrounding Ohtani’s MVP candidacy extends beyond just his performance on the field. His ability to excel despite the physical toll of his injuries, particularly his recovery from Tommy John surgery, has added to the legend that surrounds him. If Ohtani can complete the 40-40 feat while recovering from such a significant surgery, it would provide a compelling argument for MVP voters, making it nearly impossible to ignore his impact on the game.
As the season winds down, Marcell Ozuna finds himself in a unique position. He’s on the cusp of making history, but he’s also up against a player who is redefining what’s possible in baseball. While the Triple Crown remains within reach, Ozuna’s chances of securing the MVP are clouded by the extraordinary feats of Shohei Ohtani. Regardless of the outcome, Ozuna’s 2024 season is one for the ages—a campaign that will be remembered not just for its statistical brilliance, but for the resilience and determination of a player who refused to back down in the face of overwhelming odds.
