Kyle Schwarber Emerges as NL’s Top Player, Surprising Shohei Ohtani
In a stunning turn of events at the Players Choice Awards, Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies has captured the Outstanding National League Player of the Year award, edging out the much-celebrated two-way star Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The announcement, made Wednesday, has left the baseball world buzzing, particularly given Ohtani’s remarkable season.
Ohtani’s Impressive Season
Shohei Ohtani, who was a finalist for multiple awards this year, had an extraordinary season. He played in 158 games as a designated hitter, leading Major League Baseball with 146 runs scored and 380 total bases. His offensive prowess was evident as he topped the National League in slugging percentage (.622), on-base plus slugging (OPS of 1.104), and OPS+ (179). On the mound, Ohtani was no slouch either, posting a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts, where he struck out 62 batters while allowing just nine walks across 47 innings.
Despite these impressive statistics, Ohtani was not awarded the honors he might have been expected to receive. Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners took home the Player of the Year award, while Schwarber’s performance earned him the Outstanding Player accolade.
Schwarber’s Remarkable Achievement
Kyle Schwarber’s season was nothing short of sensational. He led the National League with a staggering 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, setting new personal bests in OPS (.928), hits (145), and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), calculated at 4.7 by Baseball Reference and 4.9 by FanGraphs. Notably, Schwarber’s 23 home runs against left-handed pitchers established a new major league record for lefty hitters, surpassing the previous record held by legendary figures Stan Musial and Matt Olson.
In a franchise context, Schwarber’s 56 home runs marked only the second 50-homer season in Phillies history, trailing just behind Ryan Howard’s franchise record of 58 set back in 2006. Ohtani himself had an impressive season, hitting 55 home runs and extending his own franchise record, yet Schwarber’s accolades proved compelling enough to sway the vote.
An Unexpected Outcome
The Players Choice Awards, established in 1992, provide a unique insight into how players perceive their peers. While these awards do not always predict the winners of the more prestigious MVP honors, the outcome is a reminder of the unpredictability that characterizes the sport. With Ohtani’s statistical dominance this season, his absence from the winner’s circle is surprising to many.
As the dust settles on this year’s awards, the baseball community is left to reflect on the remarkable achievements of both Schwarber and Ohtani. The narrative of the season continues to unfold, and the stage is set for an intriguing MVP race as the postseason approaches.
