Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani set another milestone Friday when he finished the season with the most popular player jersey in Major League Baseball.
Ohtani, who made the top 10 in 2018 and 2021, is the first Japanese player to reach No. 1 in the tally, based on jersey sales through MLB's online store since Opening Day.
The two-way player delivered "awe-inspiring performances on the diamond in 2023 that continued to resonate with fans around the world," MLB said in its announcement.
Ohtani is favored to win his second American League MVP award after leading the league in multiple batting categories while also starring as a pitcher. He appears set to claim the AL home run crown with 44 homers for the year.
The 29-year-old ended his season early after undergoing elbow surgery in early September. He is expected to be ready to hit by Opening Day 2024 but will not return to pitching duties until the following season.
Atlanta Braves standout Ronald Acuna Jr. had the second-most popular jersey, with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts rounding out the top five.
Reflecting the international makeup of MLB, 10 of the top 20 players were born outside of the United States.
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