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Ohtani Poised for NL MVP as Judge–Raleigh Debate Shapes Tight AL Race

The BBWAA will announce both MVPs on Thursday.

Overview

  • Finalists: NL — Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Juan Soto (Mets); AL — Aaron Judge (Yankees), Cal Raleigh (Mariners), José Ramírez (Guardians).
  • Shohei Ohtani delivered 55 home runs and a 2.87 ERA in limited innings after Tommy John surgery, and he has won all three of his previous MVPs unanimously.
  • DraftKings odds cited in coverage list Ohtani at -20000 for NL MVP, reflecting a broad expectation that he will win again.
  • The AL vote is viewed as close, with many analyses favoring Judge’s overall value (9.7 bWAR, .331/.457/.688, 53 HR) against Raleigh’s power and catcher value.
  • Cal Raleigh hit 60 home runs, setting MLB single-season marks for a catcher and a switch-hitter, and led the AL with 125 RBI while playing nearly every game.