Francisco Lindor stands out despite Shohei Ohtani's MVP win

In 2022, the Major League Baseball MVP award was won by Shohei Ohtani, who played the entire season as a designated hitter. Francisco Lindor, the shortstop for the New York Mets, had a strong season with impressive statistics but ultimately finished behind Ohtani in the MVP voting. During a crucial period from September 14 to 26, Lindor was sidelined with a back injury, which hindered his chances to secure a higher position in the MVP race. Lindor's performance included six home runs, 22 RBIs, and eight stolen bases over 12 games, showcasing his value to the Mets. Although he was a Gold Glove-caliber player, the timing of his injury came at a point when he could have made a significant impact in the race for the MVP award. In the past, several notable players like Mike Greenwell, Tino Martinez, and Daniel Murphy faced similar situations where their stellar seasons were overshadowed by a near-unanimous MVP winner, creating a sense of parallel with Lindor's experience. The story highlights the subjective nature of determining 'most valuable' players in baseball, as opinions differ on whether the MVP should be the one with the best statistics or the one most critical to their team's success. As Lindor reflects on his season, he hopes for a chance to achieve similar accolades in the future like Paul Goldschmidt did in 2022, who was recognized for his exceptional performance.