Nevin: Shohei Ohtani ‘wasn’t happy’ not winning AL MVP
Los Angeles Angels unicorn Shohei Ohtani “wasn’t happy” about not winning the 2022 American League MVP Award, according to manager Phil Nevin. He finished second place to Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.
“He’s got a lot of accolades and honors that have come his way and rightfully so. I know he’s determined to have an even better year than last year. He wasn’t happy about not winning the MVP, I can tell you that,” Nevin said on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio.
The argument that Ohtani should have won the 2022 AL MVP might be justified for pretty much any other season except this past one. Judge was a monster in 2022. He slugged MLB leading 62 home runs, breaking Roger Maris’ record in the process.
It seemed like everywhere you turned, Judge had the slight edge on Ohtani. Ohtani had an absurd 9.4 Fangraphs War for his efforts as a pitcher and a hitter, even more than his ’21 MVP season of 8.0. Judge? A ridiculous MLB-leading 10.6.
Even with Judge’s season, Ohtani’s fourth place Cy Young finish and second place MVP year is nothing to scoff at. I have a feeling Ohtani will have many, many more opportunities to win the MVP in the future, although maybe not in the American League.
Nevin then went on to talk about some of the Angels’ additions for this upcoming season and Ohtani’s excitement surrounding the team. The team did a nice job this offseason trying to turn the page, acquiring Brandon Drury and Tyler Anderson most notably.
Of course, if the Angels want to have a chance at Shohei Ohtani this upcoming offseason, they need to make sure they are at least in contention for a playoff spot by the end of summer. That’ll only happen on the backs of Ohtani and Mike Trout.
It will take another gigantic season for Shohei Ohtani to take back his crown as American League MVP. We all know what he’s capable of.
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