What happened: Shohei Ohtani is among the three finalists for the 2026 National League Most Valuable Player award. The Baseball Writers' Association of America will announce the winner Thursday night during a live reveal show on MLB Network. Two players from the NL Central round out the ballot.
Why it matters: Ohtani is contending for another MVP selection following his transition to the National League. Sustained two-way production on the mound and in the batter's box positioned him at the center of the award race across the season.
By the numbers: Ohtani recorded a .275/.377/.512 slash line with an .889 OPS at the plate alongside a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts innings on the mound.
What to watch: The 2026 BBWAA MVP award winners will be revealed live on MLB Network at 7 p.m. ET.