What was apparent throughout the entire 2021 MLB season entered the record books Thursday. Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was officially recognized as the best player in the American League, winning his first MVP award.
Ohtani received all 30 first-place votes, beating out Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after he had his own prodigal breakout season. Blue Jays infielder Marcus Semien finished third.
Ohtani's excellence was undeniable. At the plate, he hit .257/.372/.592, with 46 home runs. That performance was good for a 158 OPS+, meaning Ohtani was 58 percent better than the average hitter at the plate.