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2h ago

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.

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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.
New York Yankees' Aaron Judge reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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

  • 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.