“I’m not stupid,” Nick Castellanos SHOCKINGLY picks Jose Iglesias over Shohei Ohtani as 2024 NL MVP winner

Nick Castellanos believes Jose Iglesias was more deserving of the NL MVP award than Shohei Ohtani in 2024.

“I’m not stupid,” Nick Castellanos SHOCKINGLY picks Jose Iglesias over Shohei Ohtani as 2024 NL MVP winner

Jose Iglesias, Nick Castellanos, Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Rolling Stone/Philadelphia Inquirer/The Cut]

Despite being bitter rivals on the field, Philadelphia Phillies baseman Nick Castellanos credited New York Mets shortstop Jose Iglesias as the 2024 NL MVP. Castellanos believes Iglesias deserves the award more than Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

His take over the National League MVP surprised many as he did not choose one of the Mets franchise faces Francisco Lindor in his selection. While Ohtani’s 50-50 season broke records in the history book, Iglesias’ “OMG” sign won the hearts of many, including his rival.

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Last season Shohei Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. On the other hand, Jose Iglesias recorded .337/.381/.448 score with 4 HRs, 26 RBI, and 39 runs scored in over 85 regular season games.

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He also displayed elite performance in defense last year. Furthermore, he added his touch to the “OMG” song and carried the sign across the field to encourage the players. His acts stole the hearts of many and even his on-field rival Nick Castellanos.

The NY Mets destroyed the Philadelphia Phillies to fight for the October games against the LA Dodgers. However, the Dodgers with their star lineup stole the spot and even won the World Series in 2024.

If I’m starting a team I pick Shohei over Jose. There’s no doubt about it. I’m not stupid. But the way that I saw baseball last year, with my eyeballs, Jose Iglesias is the National League MVP.

Nick Castellanos to Chris Rose via YouTube.

According to Castellanos, he believes Iglesias brought on the “Latin spark” and knocked Lindor off of his list. He thinks it was the shortstop who brought the team together and can be “unanimously” named the NL MVP in his book.

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During the whole 2024 season, Shohei Ohtani did not play his role as a pitcher but took the bat due to his recuperation from surgery. This season, however, he is expected to return on the mound and fulfill his role as the two-way star in the 2025 season.

Shohei Ohtani to pitch in 2025 season

While there is no sure date as to when the fans will get to see Shohei Ohtani back on the mound, it is bound to happen sometime in 2025. Ohtani mentioned that he may even pitch during the opening series if his arm felt right.

Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani (Image via Imago)

Not only was Ohtani recovering from his elbow surgery, but the two-way star also had to deal with a shoulder injury. He hurt his shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series and many worried if this will further push his return timeline.

However, he said he will most likely be ready by April saying, “So far, so good.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on the other hand is carefully considering his option date to play. Roberts said that it was “very unlikely” that Ohtani will start the season in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs.

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While his return date as a pitcher remains vague as of now, he is sure to stand on the mound in 2025. As the World Series champions, they will be facing the rest of the MLB teams to keep their crown this year.