2018 Was A Great Year In Sports: These Athletes Stood Above The Rest

28. Shohei Ohtani — Los Angeles Angels

Image Source: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

The most talked-about Japanese import since Ichiro, Ohtani wasn’t superhuman during his rookie season of 2018, but definitely more than serviceable. He earned AL Rookie of the Year honors after batting .285 with 22 homers and 61 RBIs, while also going 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 10 starts. Though Tommy John surgery is expected to keep Ohtani off the mound in 2019, he still should be a force at the plate next summer.