Shohei Ohtani has the opportunity to accomplish yet another history-making feat. As the frontrunner for the National League MVP award, Ohtani would become the first full-time designated hitter to win the award in Major League history.
Former Angels outfielder Don Baylor came the closest to achieving this feat in 1979. The American League MVP started in 65 games as designated hitter, 98 in the outfield, and one at first base.
Therefore, Ohtani would be the first player to win in a season when he only started as his team’s designated hitter.
Full-time designated hitters have been finalists for the award before, finishing as high as second place four times.