The argument for the second half of the 2024 season was whether Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor earned MVP honors over the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani.

While fans can debate this and the writers will make a selection soon, there is no denying that both players have been instrumental to their team's success this season. On Tuesday afternoon, Ohtani was asked about his impressions of Lindor and the Japanese megastar recognized the shortstop's importance to the team.

“My impression of him is that he is a really good guy. He smiles a lot,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “I feel like he’s leading the club too. We're both in a position where what we did in the regular season is over and all that matters is how we produce in the postseason. Maybe we are connected by the same meaning.”

During the regular season, Lindor posted a .273/.344/.500 batting average with 33 home runs and 91 RBI while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. Ohtani hit .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs and 130 RBI. He also became the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. However, he was only the Dodgers' designated hitter after elbow surgery prevented him from pitching this season.

Regular season stats aside, Ohtani is right that both he and Lindor will be the focus this postseason for their teams to make it to the World Series. Particularly apt in their respective starting positions.

So far, Ohtani is 6-for-27 (.222) with one home run and five RBI in seven games in October.

Lindor is 8 for 34 (.235) with two home runs and seven RBI in his nine playoff games.

But Ohtani has started to struggle at the plate lately. In his last three games (two against the Mets), he is 2-for-11 with five strikeouts. The Game 2 starter Sean Manaea completely outclassed the left-hander, striking him twice on eight pitches.

“This is my first experience in the postseason, so I can't rely on my experience,” Ohtani said of his recent struggles and the possible pressure he has put on himself. “What I know is we played against good teams, better teams with their best pitchers. Getting base hits and getting results is not as easy as it could be.”

“Other than that, I'm focused on what happened in the previous game and that's all. I’m focused on the next game and maybe I’ll look back when this is all over.”

Game 3 between the Mets and Dodgers takes place on Wednesday at Citi Field.