More praise has been sent to Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani. This time it comes from J.D. Martinez of the Boston Red Sox. 

In an interview with Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register, Martinez claims that the American League MVP winner has already been decided. He believes that the award is Shohei Ohtani’s to lose.

“I think it’s a no-brainer. How are you going to compete with Ohtani? He’s gonna win it for the next five years. As long as he pitches and he hits, you’re not going to beat him.” 

Martinez went as far as to say that they might as well change the name of the award. 

“If you look at the WAR numbers, the value numbers, who else can affect the game both sides? Just change the name of it to The Ohtani Award.”

Martinez, who is also putting together another solid season, is one of many players to show this sort of respect towards Ohtani. 

Shohei Ohtani has all but taken over the world of baseball since entering the league in 2018. Up to this point in his career, Ohtani has already built up a strong resume. Not only was he the unanimous MVP in 2021, but he has also taken home the Rookie of the Year award. This all-star nod is the second of his career. 

Ohtani is putting together arguably the best season of his short career. Through 89 games, he has recorded 86 hits, 19 home runs, 56 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. Shohei Ohtani has also been dominant on the mound. Through 15 games, and 87 innings pitched, he has allowed just 64 hits, 24 runs, and eight home runs. He currently has an ERA of 2.38, which is the lowest of his career.