MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Two Unanimous MVPs, A’s Headed to Vegas

Published

5 months ago

November 17, 2023

Shohei Ohtani, Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB offseason

The MLB offseason awards week concluded on Thursday night with the announcements of the MVPs. For the first time in the history of the BBWAA, both MVP selections were unanimous.

Los Angeles Angels two-way start Shohei Ohtani was named American League MVP. He became the first player in baseball history to win multiple MVP awards by unanimous selection. In the National League, the MVP went to Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr.

At the plate this past season, Ohtani hit .304 and led the league in on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (654), OPS (1.066), home runs (44) and total bases (325). He also drove in 95 runs and stole 20 bases in 135 games.

If that wasn’t enough, he was equally as impressive on the mound. Ohtani made 23 starts before he was shutdown with an elbow injury that required surgery. He complied a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched. Ohtani bound to receive the richest contract in baseball history as a free agent this MLB offseason.

Acuña, meanwhile, put up video-game like numbers for the Braves. His rare power/speed combination was on full display with 41 home runs and a league-leading 73 stolen bases. Additionally, Acuña led baseball in hits (217), runs (149), total bases (383) and OBP (.416). He led the N.L. with a 1.012 OPS and posted a .337 batting average.

A’s Move to Sin City

After much speculation, the Oakland Athletics will be moving to Las Vegas after a unanimous approval by the owners. The move is expected to be completed for the 2028 season.

It leaves the status of the A’s in question between the end of next season and 2028. Their lease at the Coliseum expires after 2024, leaving them without a permanent home. Playing games at their Triple-A affiliate in Vegas and sharing Oracle Park with the Giants are two options on the table.

Tender/Non-Tender Deadline

Teams have until 8 p.m. ET on Friday to decide whether or not to tender contracts to those players necessary. Those who aren’t tendered contracts will be free agents, adding a a new slate of players on the open market.

Most often, players who get non-tendered are eligible for arbitration. Keep an eye out for some new names in free agency.