오타니의 4년 연속 MVP, PCA가 가로막나 [이창섭의 MLB와이드]

Major League Baseball (MLB) experienced a shift in the MVP (Most Valuable Player) race this year. Both Otani of the LA Dodgers and Earnest Jones of the New York Yankees were contenders for the prestigious award. However, Jones' season was marred by a first baseman's right shoulder injury, making it unlikely for him to secure the MVP.

Otani faced a new challenge as well, with the emergence of teammate Pete Kro-Astrom (PCA) of the Chicago Cubs. PCA showcased a modern triple threat - offense, defense, and power hitting - throughout the season, posting 40 home runs and 40 RBIs. His performance was put on full display, currently standing at 33 home runs and 32 RBIs.

PCA's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) stood first in both baseball reference sources, while Otani's WAR, including his pitching contributions, couldn't surpass PCA's. PCA's approach to batting changed this season, influenced by teammate Alex Brighmon's advice to be more selective with his swings. The improved hitting, combined with his stellar defense and power hitting, led to a significant rise in his stock.

PCA also achieved MLB history by hitting the first career cycle (a cycle is the completion of a single game where a player gets a hit, a home run, a run batted in, and a run scored) in a single game, along with hitting a home run and a walk-off home run in the same game. The MVP vote, which heavily emphasizes impact, couldn't overlook PCA's performance.

Otani, who aimed for his second season of 90 innings as a pitcher this year, started only six games averaging 0.74 runs allowed per nine innings, finishing as one of the candidates for the "proof candidate" MVP. Had Otani continued as a pitcher, he might have had the upper hand in the competition with PCA. However, Otani was sidelined due to a left knee injury since July 4th, following his first game of the season.

While he hit 30 home runs and 10 RBIs as a hitter during this period, he fell short of PCA's performance. Consequently, Otani's remaining chance to secure the MVP title depended on his performance as a pitcher. As of now, Otani is set to return to the pitcher's mound soon, leaving a "single opportunity" for Otani to challenge PCA's MVP dominance.

Meanwhile, in the American League, Houston Astros' Jose Altuve is the MVP front-runner. Altuve single-handedly dominated the league with a batting average of 0.323, 36 home runs, and 91 RBIs. His advanced statistics, including wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) at 185, solidified his status as the best in the league. Despite the changing landscape of baseball metrics, the triple crown (leading in batting average, home runs, and RBIs) still holds a significant value.

After all, the triple crown has only been achieved 10 times in MLB history, with Miguel Cabrera achieving it 45 years ago and winning the MVP award. Carlos Santana Jr. of the Kansas City Royals leads in winning percentage, while Altuve tops in wRC+, demonstrating that a great hitter can overcome deficiencies in defense and pitching.

In fact, Altuve's offensive prowess is evident in his wRC+ of 185, placing him at the top of MLB. MLB has indeed seen a new era of players challenging the Otani-Jones era. However, it's undeniable that the era of "forever" is coming to an end in this ever-evolving sport.