Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas (11) and catcher Will Smith (16) celebrate after designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a walk off RBI single during the tenth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Shohei Ohtani delivers first walk-off hit for Dodgers

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 5/19/24

Even though he has yet to take the mound as a starting pitcher, Shohei Ohtani has already proven to be worth every penny the Los Angeles Dodgers are paying him due to his dominance at the plate.

That continued on Sunday afternoon when he delivered his first walk-off hit as a member of the Dodgers.

Ohtani lifted the Dodgers to a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds with a two-out single to right field to drive in Jason Heyward.

Have a look.

SHO'S OVER, GO HOME. pic.twitter.com/lB8nxjkte6
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 19, 2024

Ohtani went 2-for-4 on Sunday and is now hitting .353 for the season. He is also now up to a 1.083 OPS.

That average has him on top of the National League and tied for the Major League lead with Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. He is also tied for the second-most home runs in the league with 13 and has driven in 33 runs. If he can increase his RBI pace, he would have a real shot at Triple Crown contention and already seems to be running away with at least the National League batting crown.

Ohtani already has two American League MVP awards to his resume and has been one of the best two-way players the sport has ever seen.

So far, his 2024 season is his best offensive season to date and keeps getting better. He now has a real chance to add a National League MVP award and batting title to his personal trophy case. Now that he is on a better team, that trophy case might even finally get some team hardware as well.

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