Yes, a designated hitter (DH) has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in Major League Baseball.
The historic achievement of being the first primary designated hitter to win an MVP award belongs to Shohei Ohtani. He accomplished this milestone in 2024 while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Historic Achievement for the DH Role
Ohtani's 2024 MVP win is particularly significant because it marks the first instance a player primarily serving as a designated hitter has earned this prestigious award. This achievement was notable as it was his inaugural season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he focused solely on hitting after undergoing shoulder surgery in September 2023.
Prior to this groundbreaking win as a primary DH, Ohtani had already secured two unanimous MVP awards in the American League in 2021 and 2023 as an exceptional two-way player for the Los Angeles Angels, showcasing both his elite pitching and hitting prowess. His 2024 MVP selection, earned purely for his offensive contributions as a designated hitter, was also unanimous.
Key Highlights of this Milestone:
- Pioneer Status: Shohei Ohtani cemented his place in baseball history as the very first player to win an MVP award primarily as a designated hitter.
- Unanimous Recognition: His exceptional performance in 2024, solely in the DH role, earned him a unanimous MVP selection, reflecting overwhelming agreement on his unparalleled value.
- Evolution of the DH Role: This landmark achievement underscores the increasing recognition and immense value placed on the offensive contributions of players exclusively filling the Designated Hitter (DH) position. It highlights how a player's bat, even without fielding or pitching, can be considered the most valuable to their team.
