Jimmy Casey ‘22
Sports Editor

American League

Shohei Ohtani – LA Angels

Ohtani has been the hot topic around the MLB the entire season, and for good reason. He’s become one of the most dynamic pitchers in the game while also being one of the league’s most feared hitters. People have dubbed Ohtani the modern-day Babe Ruth because of his unique skill set. What he’s been doing is really that impressive. On the mound, Ohtani is 9-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 22 appearances – a very good stat line for any starting pitcher. At the plate, Ohtani has been even more dominant, holding a batting average of .257 with 44 HRs, 94 RBIs, and a .952 OPS. Oh, and he’s stolen 23 bases. He’s a special talent who’s been an MVP-caliber player this year. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays

Much like his father before him, Guerrero Jr. is a menace at the plate. “Vladdy,” as he’s affectionately known, has turned in a spectacular hitting season. The 6’2”, 250lb slugger looks every bit the part of a slugger, and his performance backs up the eye test. His .321 batting average, 46 HRs, and 178 hits are tops in the MLB, and he’s tied for fourth in runs batted in with 105. He also leads the league in OPS. In my view, Guerrero Jr. has undoubtedly been the best hitter in baseball this year. However, with Ohtani producing an unparalleled season, Vladdy might not have enough firepower to take home the trophy. 

National League

Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies

Harper has had an electrifying 2021 campaign. He’s currently batting .313 with 33 HRs, 80 RBIs, and a 1.052 OPS. The former MVP particularly caught fire after July’s All-Star break, raising his average from .282 all the way to what it is now. He’s blasted 18 HRs and 45 RBIs in that span as well, all the while sporting some of the most luscious hair in all of baseball. The thing that might hold him back, though, is his team. If Harper is going to secure the MVP award, he’ll probably need to carry his Phillies squad into the playoffs these last few weeks.  

Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres

Some people had doubts as to whether Tatis Jr. could sustain his near MVP-level performance in last year’s COVID-shortened season for an entire year. Tatis Jr. has proved he can. The flashy 22-year-old is slashing a .285 batting average with 39 HRs, 92 RBIs, and a .988 OPS. And, as if these stellar batting numbers aren’t enough, Tatis has also stolen 25 bases. He’s a nightmare for opposing pitchers and catchers alike, and he has a flair for the dramatic that makes him impeccable to watch. He’s the type of guy that you look at and think, “Wow. I wish I was that cool!” Yet, like Harper, Tatis Jr.’s Padres are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. It’ll probably come down to whose team makes the playoffs, which is an exciting thing to look forward to.

Prediction:

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani

NL MVP: Bryce Harper