LA Angels: Giving letter grades for core position players in 2021

Giving letter grades for LA Angels’ core position players in 2021–Shohei Ohtani: A+

Shohei Ohtani is a lock to win AL MVP for his performance this year with the LA Angels. There’s not enough anyone can say about this guy. He had arguably the greatest season in baseball history.

Ohtani hit .257/.372/.592 (.965 OPS) with 46 home runs, 100 RBI (as a two-hole hitter), 103 runs scored, eight triples (MLB-leading), and 26 stolen bases.

He was ridiculous, and is the best overall offensive player in the American League. He established himself as the fastest baserunner in the AL, and can even play the outfield despite being labeled as just a DH.

Also, he happens to be one of the very best pitchers in the American League as well. He posted a 3.18 ERA, a 1.090 WHIP, a 10.8 K/9 rate, and allowed just a .207 batting average in 2021. He is the Ace of his staff, and leads the Majors with an 8.1 fWAR.

Ohtani carried this team, and put up those offensive numbers despite not having hardly any lineup protection as the season progressed. He got walked at a record pace, even more than Barry Bonds used to walk.

Ohtani was the starting DH and the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game this year, which best sums up how dominant he was on both sides of the ball this season.

The Angels can be dangerous next year if everyone stays healthy. They have the pieces, and they have the two best players in the game.