10 Players Who Will Be MVP Candidates by 2027

Projecting MVP races years in advance is risky—but elite talent has a way of announcing itself early. By 2027, a new mix of established stars and emerging superstars will dominate MVP conversations, driven by production, durability, and the ability to impact games in multiple ways.

Here are 10 players who are positioned to be legitimate MVP candidates by the 2027 season.

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1. Juan Soto

Soto’s plate discipline is already historic, and his prime years are just beginning.

By 2027, Soto’s combination of on-base ability, power, and lineup leverage should put him squarely in MVP contention—especially if he’s anchoring a contender with protection around him.

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2. Bobby Witt Jr.

Witt is the prototype modern MVP candidate.

Elite power, elite speed, premium defense, and durability at a premium position make him a perennial threat. If he stays healthy, multiple MVP-caliber seasons are likely.

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3. Julio Rodríguez

Julio’s ceiling remains massive.

With continued refinement at the plate and steady defensive value in center field, Rodríguez has all the tools to put together a monster MVP season in his mid-20s.

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4. Shohei Ohtani

If Ohtani is even close to full strength by 2027, he’s an MVP candidate by default.

Whether contributing primarily as a hitter or resuming two-way duties, his impact per roster spot is unmatched in baseball history.

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5. Gunnar Henderson

Henderson’s blend of power, patience, and defensive versatility gives him MVP upside.

As he enters his prime years, expect the counting stats and WAR totals to explode—especially if Baltimore remains competitive.

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6. Kyle Tucker

Tucker has already produced MVP-level seasons without the recognition.

By 2027, sustained excellence—power, speed, defense, and elite on-base skills—should finally push him into the center of the MVP spotlight.

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7. Corbin Carroll

Few players impact the game in as many ways as Carroll.

If his offensive consistency continues to stabilize, his speed, defense, and run creation could make him one of the most valuable players in the sport.

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8. Paul Skenes

Pitchers rarely win MVPs—but truly dominant ones force the issue.

If Skenes becomes the ace many expect, posting video-game strikeout totals while carrying a contender, he could break through in MVP voting the way elite arms occasionally do.

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9. Elly De La Cruz

No player has a wider variance—or higher ceiling.

If De La Cruz refines his plate discipline, his power-speed-defense combination could produce one of the most electrifying MVP seasons baseball has ever seen.

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10. Adley Rutschman

Catchers face an uphill MVP battle—but Rutschman is uniquely positioned.

Elite offense for the position, leadership value, and durability behind the plate could push him into rare MVP consideration territory by 2027.

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Final Thought

MVP races are shaped by context—team success, health, and narrative—but talent always wins out in the long run.

By 2027, these players won’t just be stars.
They’ll be the faces of the league—and the names at the top of MVP ballots.