In recent years, Shohei Ohtani has emerged as one of the best players in the MLB. Since joining the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, the Japanese star forged a reputation not just for being exceptional on the pitcher’s mound, but an excellent hitter as well.

Although the Angels have no chance of making the playoffs, the 27-year-old made his first all-star appearance this season. In addition, Ohtani continues to fill up his stats sheet, which includes an impressive achievement in the Wins Above Replacement (WAR) column.

Shohei Ohtani leads the MLB in the Wins Above Replacement metric

Prior to this season, Ohtani struggled with a few injuries in previous seasons. However, the Japanese player is enjoying one of his most successful seasons in the MLB from an individual standpoint.

Although the Angels aren’t having one of their most successful seasons, Ohtani stands head and shoulders above the rest of the American League. In fact, the 27-year-old holds excellent numbers not just in pitching statistics, but batting statistics as well.

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In fact, his Wins Above Replacement Number (WAR) stands at 8.9, which is the highest in the American League. To put this number into perspective, one can simply look at New York Yankees’ stars Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton.

Cole, who is the Yankees’ star pitcher, holds a WAR score of 5.7. His teammate and ace hitter Stanton, who sports #27 on the field, scores 3.2 in the WAR parameter. When combined, their total is 8.9, which is the same as Ohtani’s WAR alone.

This statistic further cements the Japanese’s status not just as one of the best players in the league, but among the most valuable.

Ohtani is a favorite for the 2021 AL MVP Award

Each year, the MLB hands out an MVP award for the American League and the National League. As for the American League, Ohtani looks a clear favorite this year.

However, the 27-year-old will face stiff competition from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. The 22-year-old slugger has made a strong case for himself, as the Blue Jays are in contention for the playoffs with just four games left in the regular season.

READ MORE: “I Want to Win”: Shohei Ohtani Frustrated With Los Angeles Angels Losing