Can Anyone Catch Shohei Ohtani? Breaking Down the 2025 MVP Race

There are MVP races—and then there’s whatever Shohei Ohtani is doing in 2025.

The two-way superstar continues to dominate Major League Baseball, putting up jaw-dropping numbers at the plate while playing a key role in the Dodgers’ push toward the postseason. But as we head into the final third of the season, a legitimate question is emerging: Is there anyone in either league who can catch him?

Let’s break down the MVP picture in both the American and National League, and evaluate whether Ohtani is running away with it—or if challengers are rising.

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Ohtani’s 2025 Numbers So Far

• Batting average: .307

• Home runs: 36

• RBIs: 89

• OPS: 1.052

• Stolen bases: 19

• WAR (FanGraphs): 6.9

• Pitching appearances: 0 (injured, but still eligible as DH-only)

Despite not pitching in 2025 due to offseason elbow surgery, Ohtani’s offensive value alone places him atop the leaderboard. His OPS leads all of baseball, and he’s in the thick of the Triple Crown conversation. Even without the two-way element, his bat has been historic.

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National League MVP Race: Ohtani vs. Soto?

Juan Soto has quietly put together an MVP-caliber campaign of his own:

• .318 AVG, 29 HR, 91 RBI, 1.005 OPS

He’s been the most consistent hitter for the Mets and is among the league leaders in walks and OBP. If the Mets make a deep playoff push and Ohtani slows down, Soto could close the gap.

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American League MVP Watch

With Ohtani now in the National League, the AL MVP race is wide open—and Bobby Witt Jr. is leading the charge.

• .301 AVG, 25 HR, 35 SB, elite defense at shortstop

• Kansas City is pushing for a Wild Card spot

Other contenders include Yordan Alvarez (slugging machine), Gunnar Henderson, and Aaron Judge, though Judge has been slowed by injury and inconsistency.

Let’s be real—Ohtani is already a global icon, and MVP voters love a storyline. Returning from surgery, switching leagues, and still dominating on offense? It’s tailor-made for a second unanimous MVP.

But if Soto leads the Yankees to an AL East title and hits 45+ home runs? That’s a narrative, too.

Unless something dramatic happens, Shohei Ohtani is your 2025 MVP frontrunner—by a mile. But the race isn’t over.

Keep your eyes on Soto in the NL and Bobby Witt Jr. in the AL. If either of them stays hot and Ohtani cools off, the MVP conversation could heat up quickly.

Until then, we’re all witnesses to one of the most extraordinary careers in baseball history.