Contenders emerge each season, some of them who have been there a while and others who surprise even the biggest skeptics. Behind those impressive seasons are the driving forces that take the team on their backs and make them dangerous.
As the season progresses, MLB news becomes largely about trade rumors and who will walk away as an MVP. Though there is an entire season ahead, these are the names that should be there when it comes to MLB MVP discussions at the end of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
The 2024 AL MVP runner-up, Witt was as good as could be last season. In just about any other year, it would have won MVP if not for the performance of Aaron Judge of the Yankees. Witt is projected to log another 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, and he’s in rarified air as the only shortstop in history with multiple 30-30 seasons.
If Witt registers another 30-30 season, he will tie Barry Bonds for the longest streak ever. Witt is one of the most dynamic players in the majors when he gets on base, but he can also do just as much damage with his bat or on defense. Witt can carry the Royals, and that is exactly what an MVP is supposed to be.
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Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
The reigning and defending AL MVP. Judge started slow but had an incredible year, hitting .322 with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs to win his second MVP. As long as he’s healthy, he will remain a contender for the AL MVP for the foreseeable future, especially with how he’s swung the bat the past few seasons.
Pick a major traditional or advanced metric and Judge was either at the top or near it in 2024. He had the highest full-season OPS since Barry Bonds’ 1.422 season in 2004. Juan Soto might be gone, but Judge is the premier hitter in the game. There is no one better, making him a candidate for MVP yet again.
Juan Soto, New York Mets
Speaking of Soto, it’s hard not to like him as a favorite for NL MVP in his new digs with the New York Mets. After signing a massive contract with the Mets, he’ll join an already powerful lineup as arguably the best hitter in the game. He’s projected for another massive season in an already sterling career.
Soto is projected for another season of at least 25 home runs and 125 walks, something he’s done four times. He’s already fourth in history in that regard, though he has some work to do to catch the top three. Soto, with Judge out of his way, is primed to win MVP for the first time in his incredible career.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ohtani is the reigning 2024 NL MVP, which is incredible considering half of his game – pitching – was off the table due to a hybrid Tommy John surgery. Despite that, Ohtani managed to achieve the first 50-50 season in MLB history, making many wonder what he could possibly due as a follow-up in 2025.
Ohtani in any role is capable of winning MVP. So long as he remains healthy, is a serious threat to win his third consecutive MVP award and the fourth of his superstar career. Ohtani is the biggest star in the game right now, arguably the best hitter, and the kind of two-way player that comes along once in a lifetime. The Dodgers are contenders for a lot of reasons, and Ohtani is the biggest.
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