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Ohtani’s Unanimous NL MVP Fuels New Balance Drop, Installs Him as 2026 Favorite

Sportsbooks price him as the early 2026 frontrunner, with confidence tied to his stated plan to pitch from Opening Day.

Overview

  • MLB named Shohei Ohtani the 2025 National League MVP by unanimous vote, his fourth MVP overall and third in a row.
  • Ohtani’s 2025 line included a .282/.392/.622 slash with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs, plus 14 starts on the mound with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts.
  • New Balance released a limited-edition “MVP Unicorn” T-shirt and celebratory video; the shirt costs $39.99 and is available in North America and Japan.
  • Ohtani said through an interpreter that he plans to be able to pitch from the start of the 2026 season, emphasizing staying healthy.
  • Betting markets list Ohtani as the odds-on 2026 NL MVP favorite at -110, as teammate Mookie Betts suggested he remains the default pick while he pitches.