Ohtani leads 2025 NL MVP race despite injury concerns

The race for the 2025 National League MVP is heating up, with several top contenders vying for the coveted award. Analysts are weighing the pros and cons of each candidate. Shohei Ohtani, who plays both as a designated hitter and a pitcher, is currently favored. His hitting stats are impressive, showing he is now a strong .300 hitter. Ohtani finished last season with remarkable numbers, including a potential record-breaking pace. However, his dual role adds injury risk and might distract from his hitting. Juan Soto is another strong candidate from the New York Mets. He has consistently high hitting numbers and his home run potential is still growing. Although moving to a new park may not hurt him, he struggles with swinging at strikes at times, which could limit his overall performance. Fernando Tatis Jr. from the San Diego Padres has an impressive average of 6.7 WAR and could achieve great stats if he stays healthy. However, he has a history of injuries and often misses games, making a strong season less likely. Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers brings power and skill. He could hit over 30 homers this season, but it is tough to win the MVP if he is not the standout player on his team. His performance needs to be nearly perfect to capture voters' attention. Bryce Harper from the Philadelphia Phillies is a two-time MVP winner. At age 32, he still has the potential for a strong season, but he is coming off a less impressive year and faces challenges with his team's lineup. Kyle Tucker, now with the Chicago Cubs, has both power and speed, boasting a high batting average. Despite his talent, the hitting conditions in Wrigley Field may limit his homer potential. A sleeper pick is Jackson Chourio from the Milwaukee Brewers. At just 21, he achieved a standout 20-HR/20-SB season last year. He may have the potential for a 40/40 season as his skills continue to improve. As the season unfolds, the competition for the NL MVP will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.