Shohei Ohtani: The NL MVP Race Is Hotter Than Ever

As the 2025 MLB season stretches into its final months, the conversation surrounding the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is heating up. Oddsmakers have placed Shohei Ohtani at the forefront, making him the favorite to win the accolades for the second consecutive year. However, a deeper dive reveals that his path to victory is far from guaranteed.

The Case for Shohei Ohtani

Dominance on Both Sides

Shohei Ohtani has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in baseball. His dual-threat ability—excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter—makes him a unique asset. Currently, he sports an impressive batting line of .271/.376/.604, with substantial home run power. Yet, these figures are down compared to his stellar performance in 2024.

Resurgence on the Mound

Ohtani’s return to pitching adds to his MVP credentials. However, he has made only seven starts and pitched a mere 15 innings. His recent performance included an early exit from a game due to cramps, raising questions about his durability and effectiveness as a pitcher.

Team Performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers, expected to be a dominating force this season, have seen inconsistent performance. They hold a slim lead in the NL West, just three games ahead of the San Diego Padres, potentially jeopardizing Ohtani’s MVP bid if their struggles continue.

Emerging Threat: Pete Crow-Armstrong

Stellar Performance

In contrast, Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) of the Chicago Cubs has emerged as a legitimate MVP contender. With a slash line of .273/.309/.560 and 27 home runs along with 29 stolen bases, PCA is making waves in the league. His speed and defensive skills in center field have garnered attention, as he consistently makes highlights with his elite plays.

Team Factors

The Cubs currently lead the Dodgers in the standings, underscoring Crow-Armstrong’s value to a team that is exceeding expectations. PCA’s contributions are pivotal to the Cubs’ success, a point that may resonate with MVP voters.

Analysis of Odds: Ohtani vs. Crow-Armstrong

Despite Ohtani’s current odds at -1150 to win the MVP, many analysts suggest that these figures don’t reflect the actual competition he faces. Crow-Armstrong’s odds sit at +1000, a significant underdog yet a contender that warrants attention.

WAR Metrics

Wins Above Replacement (WAR) provides an illuminating perspective on the MVP race. Crow-Armstrong leads Ohtani significantly in both FanGraphs and Baseball Reference WAR metrics, indicating that straight numbers may favor PCA. While Ohtani’s history can’t be ignored, it’s essential to weigh current performances equally.

Voter Fatigue

Having secured MVP honors in three of the past four seasons, Ohtani may face voter fatigue. History shows that accolades often shift towards emerging talents, making PCA’s ascent in the league timely for the MVP discussion.

Conclusion: Why You Should Back Crow-Armstrong

As the MVP race unfolds, the gap between Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong narrows. With Crow-Armstrong’s combination of offensive performance and impactful defense, along with the Cubs’ success compared to the Dodgers’ struggles, it makes sense to consider PCA as a serious candidate for the NL MVP.

Betting Recommendation

Consider placing a bet on Pete Crow-Armstrong to win the NL MVP at odds of +1000 via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Stay tuned as the 2025 season wraps up—this MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.