Ohtani's generosity in deferring a significant portion of his contract has allowed the Dodgers to acquire additional star players, enhancing the team's competitiveness.

Reflecting on his career, Judge expressed a strong desire to win a World Series, feeling a personal responsibility for the Yankees' 15-year championship drought.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic that Ohtani's offensive prowess will continue to shine even as he resumes pitching duties next season.

This article is authored by Max Goodman from NJ Advance Media for NJ.com.

Shohei Ohtani, who previously won the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023, had an outstanding first season with the Dodgers, achieving a .310 batting average, hitting 54 home runs, and driving in 130 runs, leading the National League in both categories.

The awards ceremony is set to recognize Ohtani and Aaron Judge, with expectations that Judge will be honored for his impressive performance this season.

Judge demonstrated resilience this season, significantly improving his performance after a challenging start, attributing his success to hard work and determination.

Judge praised teammate Juan Soto's work ethic and expressed a desire for the team to retain him as a key free agent.

Ohtani's recovery from Tommy John surgery is complex, involving the removal of a damaged ligament and the use of a tendon from another part of his body.

Ohtani's presence has dramatically increased international interest in the Dodgers, making them the most popular baseball team globally.

The Dodgers are actively seeking to bolster their pitching staff, showing interest in top free agents such as Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell.

In a related note, the Mets highlighted Francisco Lindor's defensive skills shortly after Ohtani's award announcement, showcasing his value to the team.