Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Ohtani's Third Straight NL MVP Makes Him the Early 2026 Favorite

He plans to pitch from Opening Day 2026, reinforcing perceptions he remains the MVP frontrunner.

Image
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates as he runs for first on an RBI single in the sixth inning of the MLB National League Wild Card Game 2 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The Reds were eliminated from the postseason with an 8-4 loss to the reigning World Series Champions Dodgers.
Jul 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) after scoring a run during the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Mookie Betts said on MLB Network that voters can "keep giving it to him" as long as Ohtani is pitching.
  • Ohtani stated on his MVP call that he intends to take the mound from the start of 2026 if he stays healthy.
  • Sportsbooks have installed Ohtani as the odds-on NL MVP favorite for 2026 at around -110, with Juan Soto the nearest challenger at +800.
  • In 2025 he slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 home runs and logged a 2.87 ERA over 47 innings after returning to the mound in mid-June.
  • Analysts identify few realistic threats, with names such as Soto, Kyle Schwarber, James Wood and Paul Skenes framed as long-shot possibilities.