LOS ANGELES — They were still sweeping up the confetti from Monday’s parade and World Series championship celebration when baseball’s awards season kicked into gear.

Finalists for the major awards were announced with Shohei Ohtani a finalist (and the favorite) to win his third consecutive MVP award and fourth in the past five seasons .

A fourth MVP award would separate Ohtani from three other players who won three times (Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Alex Rodriguez). Only one player has won more than four MVPs – seven-time winner Barry Bonds.

Coming off his 50/50 season in 2024 , Ohtani returned, going 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts on the mound. At the plate, Ohtani hit .282, was second in the National League in home runs (55), second in the majors in OPS (1.014) and led everyo

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