The 2023 MLB awards season wrapped up on Thursday with the National League and American League MVPs. Heading into this, the outcome seemed like a formality after historic seasons from two players in particular. It was a formality, as the awards went to the two players who sealed this award by June at the earliest of this past season. The winners were Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, now a free agent. It is the first MVP for Acuna and the second for Ohtani. To this point, both have had stellar careers so far. Both were unanimous choices, and this marks the first time in MLB history that has happened.
The 2023 AL And NL MVPS
Ohtani takes home second MVP.
It’s been quite the ride for Shohei Ohtani. He’s been highly regarded as the best player in baseball for the last couple of years. As a hitter and a pitcher, Ohtani is an impact player, and he was rewarded for it this season once again. It is the second time Ohtani has won the award unanimously, which is a first in MLB history.
For the second time in three years, Shohei Ohtani is the American League’s Most Valuable Player!
— MLB (@MLB) November 16, 2023
大谷翔平が二度目のア・リーグMVPを受賞！ pic.twitter.com/z7svbS4DZI
Shohei Ohtani is the first player in history to win two unanimous MVP awards!
大谷翔平が史上初の二度目満票MVPに輝く！ pic.twitter.com/3v2QgtQhu4— MLB (@MLB) November 16, 2023
Ohtani did it with his bat and on the mound. At the plate in 2023, Ohtani slashed .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs and 95 RBI. Ohtani totaled 151 hits and 102 runs scored. He also pitched to a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA.
Acuna’s First MVP
Acuna became the eighth Brave in franchise history, and the first since Freddie Freeman in 2020, to win the NL MVP.
The 25-year-old Ronald Acuña Jr. gets all 30 first place votes! pic.twitter.com/VnNa3Mzia2
— MLB (@MLB) November 17, 2023
History made, hardware secured.@ronaldacunajr24 | @Braves
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 17, 2023
🎙️ Tom Verducci pic.twitter.com/dTUgsLyuBe
Acuna was leading the pack on a Braves team that hit home runs at a record pace. Acuna set a new record with a 40 home run (41) and 70 stolen base (73) season. It’s the first time in MLB history that any player has ever done that. Acuna set a new mark that will be incredibly hard to top. Acuna also drove in 106 RBI on 217 hits and slashed .337/.416/.596.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
