Baseball: Ohtani wins 2nd Silver Slugger as AL's best DH

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani received his second Silver Slugger Award on Thursday when he was named the American League's best offensive player at designated hitter.

The awards, which are voted on by MLB managers and coaches, are given to the top offensive player at each position in the AL and the National League.

Ohtani was the first Japanese player to lead a U.S. major league in home runs this year, hitting 44 while also averaging .304 with an AL-best .412 on-base percentage for the Los Angeles Angels.

He previously won the award as the AL's top DH in 2021, when he also won his first AL MVP award.

The 29-year-old free agent, who is expected to sign a record-breaking deal this offseason, is the favorite to win his second AL MVP on Nov. 16.

The Atlanta Braves led the pack with three Silver Slugger winners this year, including NL MVP favorite Ronald Acuna Jr.

© Kyodo News