Ohtani named AP Male Athlete of Year for 3rd time
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company.
The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James.
“I’m very honored,” Ohtani said through interpreter Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. “Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.”
In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 points. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels.
“Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods,” he said. “I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States.”
The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman.
Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine.
The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday.
Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball’s 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases.
Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023.
Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases.
In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with 3 homers, 10 RBIs, 2 stolen bases and 17 total bases.
“It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now,” Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani’s second season in Anaheim, said recently. “This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there’s not a close second.”
Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers’ franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021.
“I kind of wanted to get over that bar,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record.”
Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt.
He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November.
“I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better,” he told the AP. “There’s no pain. There’s obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it’s getting better.”
Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he’s focused on the near-term.
“It’s the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy,” he said.
Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason.
“I’m going to continue to ramp up slowly,” he said.
The Dodgers’ rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out.
“We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen [game], which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation,” he said. “But it’s all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We’ll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I’ve got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there.”
The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched.
“My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start,” he said. “To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself.”
Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there’s great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats.
“I just go out there and try to stay within myself,” he said. “I can only control what I can control and that’s where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they’re going to make the plays for you. I don’t really try to overthink it.”
Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too.
Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, and they paid extra for tours of baseball’s third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pregame batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey.
Ohtani’s presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors.
Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: “Nope,” which drew laughter.
Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani’s behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed.
“I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he’s a much better person. He’s very kind, considerate, he cares,” Roberts told the AP. “I’m just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way.”
Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That’s why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world.
The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani’s money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker.
His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn’t seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it.
By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani.
The public got a glimpse of Ohtani’s softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate.
As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month’s National Dog Show, where the small spaniel-type breed was among the competitors.
“The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed,” Ohtani said. “I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I’m sure Decoy himself would be happy about that.”
Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title.
“It’s almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent,” Roberts said.
“I’m just excited to see what ’25 has for Shohei Ohtani.”
Just like that, the 2024-25 MLB hot stove has kicked off! We had a trade just one day after the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted the World Series championship trophy.
All eyes this winter were on the top free agent, young slugger Juan Soto, who left the New York Yankees for a record contract with the New York Mets. But he’s not the only one who will make a splash in the market.
Which teams will go all-in to contend for a 2025 World Series title? Where will other top free agents like Alex Bregman land? And who will make the trades and deals that have everyone buzzing?
Below is a running list of notable transactions and updates from throughout the MLB offseason.
Free agency, trade grades | Top 50 free agents | Fantasy spin
Notable MLB offseason transactions
Feb. 5
Alonso returns to Mets
Slugger Pete Alonso and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 2-year, $54 million contract (with an opt-out after the first season), sources told ESPN on Wednesday, ending a lengthy free agency with a return engagement to the only team for which he has played. Story » | Grade »
Feb. 2
Tigers add to rotation with Flaherty signing
Right-hander Jack Flaherty and the Detroit Tigers agreed on a two-year, $35 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 30
Blue Jays land Scherzer on one-year deal
Right-hander Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a one-year, $15.5 million contract, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 29
Reds trade for late-inning arm
The Cincinnati Reds are finalizing a trade to acquire left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers from the San Francisco Giants, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Rays land infielder Kim
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Tigers further fortify bullpen with Kahnle
Right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $7.75 million contract, pending physical, sources told ESPN. Story »
Mets add hard-throwing Stanek to pen
Right-hander Ryne Stanek and the New York Mets are in agreement on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN. Story »
Jan. 28
Dodgers sign All-Star reliever Yates
Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Can get up to $14M with 55 games pitched. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 26
Cubs trade for veteran reliever Pressly
The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a trade to acquire closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, pending medical review, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 23
Braves land All-Star outfielder in Profar
Outfielder Jurickson Profar and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
Jan. 20
Blue Jays add Santander to outfield
The Toronto Blue Jays and outfielder Anthony Santander are in agreement on a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, giving the team one of the best hitters available this offseason after failed attempts to land a marquee free agent in recent years. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 19
Dodgers nab Scott for bullpen
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added left-hander Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher on the free agent market, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 17
Japanese ace Sasaki picks Dodgers
Roki Sasaki, the prized Japanese pitching prospect who has had scouts drooling over his potential since high school, has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his major league team, he announced on Instagram on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 16
Winker returns to Mets on one-year deal
Outfielder Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed on a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports Thursday. Story »
Jan. 10
Blue Jays sign top reliever Hoffman
The Toronto Blue Jays announced they have signed right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 7
Giants add Verlander on one-year deal
Right-hander Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, continuing the future Hall of Famer’s career at age 42 in one of the pitcher-friendliest stadiums in baseball. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 6
Reds acquire Lux in trade with Dodgers
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a draft pick and an outfield prospect, the teams announced Monday, adding another prime-age hitter to a team that hopes to ascend in the National League Central this season. Story » | Grades »
Royals bring back pitcher Lorenzen
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals agreed on a one-year, $7 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 3
Dodgers land star KBO infielder
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim on a 3-year, $12.5 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 30
Nats sign Bell to one-year deal
The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract worth $6 million, according to multiple reports. Story »
Dec. 29
Cubs and Marlins swap infielders
The Chicago Cubs acquired utility man Vidal Bruján on Sunday, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects. Story »
Dec. 28
Burnes joins D-backs on $210 million deal
Right-hander Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a six-year, $210 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 27
Dodgers bring back All-Star outfielder Hernandez
Outfielder Teoscar Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a three-year, $66 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Tigers add Torres to infield on one-year deal
Infielder Gleyber Torres and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 23
McCutchen returns to the Pirates
Veteran slugger Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced on social media. Story »
Buehler, Red Sox agree to 1-year deal
Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, sources told ESPN, sending the pitcher who secured the final out of the World Series this year to a team loading up on starting pitching as it pivots toward contention. Story » | Grade »
Rangers add veteran bat Pederson
Outfielder Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a contract pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Manaea returns to Mets on three-year deal
Left-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 22
Phillies bolster rotation with trade for Luzardo
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins for two prospects, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers
The Washington Nationals on Sunday acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 21
Guardians trade Naylor to D-backs, sign Santana
The Cleveland Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday and quickly replaced him, with sources telling ESPN that they agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent Carlos Santana, bringing him back for his third stint with the team. Story » | Grades »
Goldschmidt, Yankees agree on 1-year deal
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources told ESPN, pairing the former National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the American League champion in the midst of a significant overhaul. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 20
Astros bring Walker to Houston
The Houston Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports. Story » | Grade »
Yanks ship Trevino to Reds for Cruz, Jackson
The New York Yankees traded catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson, the teams announced Friday. Story »
Red Sox add rotation arm
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
A’s land veteran infielder
Gio Urshela is in agreement with the Athletics on a major league contract, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »
Dec. 19
Phillies bolster outfield with Kepler
Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Dec. 17
Yankees land Bellinger in trade with Cubs
OF/1B Cody Bellinger has been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees for right-handed reliever Cody Poteet, sources tell ESPN. (New York will also receive cash considerations.) Story » | Grades »
Dec. 16
O’s, Sugano agree on 1-year, $13M deal
Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a contract, the team announced Monday night, uniting one of the most successful Japanese pitchers of his generation with a team in need of rotation help. The deal is for one year and $13 million, sources told ESPN. Story »
Dec. 14
A’s acquire lefty Springs from Rays
The Athletics are acquiring left-hander Jeffrey Springs in a six-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team announced Saturday, continuing their push toward contention with a significant increase in their payroll as they head into their first season in Sacramento. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 13
Cubs land three-time All-Star Tucker in deal with Astros
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Yankees get All-Star closer Williams from Milwaukee
The New York Yankees are acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 11
Loáisiga returns to Yankees
Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, a source tells ESPN. Story »
Red Sox trading for Crochet
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for four highly-regarded prospects, sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Dec. 10
Marlins, Rangers agree to trade for Jake Burger
The Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade for power-hitting corner infielder Jake Burger, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. In exchange, the Miami Marlins will receive two shortstop prospects, Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, and a young left-handed starting pitcher in Brayan Mendoza. Story » | Grades »
Eovaldi returning to the Rangers
Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Guardians and Blue Jays complete trade
The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract
Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. Story » | Grade »
Blue Jays sign pitcher Garcia
The Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Yimi Garcia are in agreement on a two-year, $15 million contract, a source told ESPN on Tuesday. Story »
Dec. 9
Phillies add Romano to bullpen
Closer Jordan Romano and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a free agent contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Romano was nontendered by Toronto earlier this offseason. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 8
Mets sign Soto for MLB record $765 million
Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history. Story » | Grade »
Conforto joins Dodgers on $17 million deal
Outfielder Michael Conforto joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 7
Giants, Adames agree on 7 years, $182M
Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest outlay in franchise history, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Story » | Grade »
O’s land O’Neill
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, a source told ESPN, filling a void created by the free agency of slugging outfielder Anthony Santander. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 6
Mets sign Holmes … as a starter
Right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $38 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday night. Story » | Grade »
Rays add catcher Jansen
Catcher Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season, sources tell ESPN.
Dec. 5
A’s sign Severino to franchise-record contract
Right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million free agent contract that is the largest guarantee in the franchise’s history, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 3
Red Sox add Chapman to bullpen
Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 2
Cubs sign pitcher Boyd to two-year deal
The Chicago Cubs have added Matthew Boyd to their rotation in their first big offseason move, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with the veteran left-hander, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Mets add to rotation with Montas signing
Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 26
Dodgers make splash with Snell signing
Left-hander Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $182 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 25
Angels add to rotation in yet another move
Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 22
Royals trade for position players
The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, the teams announced on Friday. Story » | Grades »
Nov. 20
Cubs add reliever in deal with Guardians
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN.
Nov. 19
Mets get outfield help in deal with Rays
The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze. Story »
Nov. 18
Martinez accepts qualifying offer to stay with Reds
Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Cincinnati Reds‘ $21.05 million qualifying offer, multiple outlets reported Monday. Story »
Nov. 14
Angels sign infielder Newman to one-year deal
The Los Angeles Angels and infielder Kevin Newman agreed to a one-year $2.5 million contract with a club option for 2026, the team announced . Story »
Red Sox add reliever Wilson
Left-hander Justin Wilson and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract, according to multiple reports. Story »
Nov. 12
Angels sign d’Arnaud to two-year deal
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 6
Hedges returns to Guardians on one-year deal
Catcher Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Angels add veteran arm to rotation
Kyle Hendricks is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 3
Royals re-sign Wacha to 3-year deal
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a club option and can max out at four years, $72 million. Story » | Grade »
Oct. 31
Braves make first splash of offseason
The Atlanta Braves are trading outfielder Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels and will receive right-hander Griffin Canning, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Key MLB offseason dates
Dec. 9-12: Winter meetings in Dallas, Texas
Dec. 11: Rule 5 draft
Jan. 9: Deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to submit salary figures
End of January: Arbitration hearings begin
Feb. 22: Spring training games begin
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