The Race for National League MVP. Who Will Come Out on Top?

The 2025 National League MVP race is packed with talent and sure to be one of the most exciting in years. With some of baseball’s biggest stars coming off incredible seasons, the competition will be fierce. Can last year’s standout performances be topped, or will a new contender rise to the top? As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these elite players battling for the league’s most prestigious award.

1. Shohei Ohtani, DH/SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Stats: .312 AVG, 50 HR, 50 SB, 120 RBI, 1.045 OPS What more can be said about Shohei Ohtani? The two-way superstar continues to defy expectations and rewrite the history books. Last season, he accomplished something no player had ever done before, hitting 50 home runs while stealing 50 bases in the same year. Simply put, he was unstoppable. But as impressive as his offensive numbers were, the most exciting part of 2025 might be his return to the mound. If Ohtani can return to being a dominant pitcher while maintaining his incredible production at the plate, the MVP trophy may as well have his name engraved on it already.

2. Juan Soto, OF, New York Mets

2024 Stats: .298 AVG, 40 HR, 110 RBI, 100 R, 1.020 OPS The ink has barely dried on Juan Soto’s record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, and expectations have never been higher. He arrives in Queens as the centerpiece of a team built to win now, and with his smooth swing and elite plate discipline, he’s poised for another monster season. If the Mets dominate the NL East and Soto puts up another 40-homer, 100-RBI season, he could easily find himself hoisting his first MVP trophy at year’s end.

3. Fernando Tatis Jr., OF, San Diego Padres

2024 Stats: .280 AVG, 21 HR, 11 SB, 75 RBI, .880 OPS Few players bring the kind of excitement to the field that Fernando Tatis Jr. does. His energy, swagger, and electric play make him a fan favorite, but 2024 was not his best year. Injuries and inconsistency limited his impact, but when he was on, he showed flashes of the player who once looked destined to be an MVP. If he can stay healthy and return to his 40-homer, 30-steal form, he could lead the Padres back into contention and put himself right in the middle of the MVP race.

4. Mookie Betts, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Stats: .285 AVG, 19 HR, 16 SB, 80 RBI, .900 OPS For years, Mookie Betts has been one of the most complete players in baseball. His ability to hit for power, steal bases, and play elite defense makes him a constant threat in the MVP conversation. However, injuries slowed him down in 2024. This year, he’s determined to prove he still belongs among the game’s elite. With Shohei Ohtani by his side in Los Angeles, a fully healthy Betts could be primed for a huge comeback season, making the Dodgers an even scarier team.

5. Bryce Harper, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Stats: .290 AVG, 30 HR, 95 RBI, .920 OPS The legend of Bryce Harper continues to grow. Now in his 30s, the three-time MVP shows no signs of slowing down. With his powerful swing, clutch performances, and undeniable leadership, he remains the heart and soul of the Phillies. As Philadelphia looks to stay among the NL’s elite, Harper will be leading the charge, looking to add yet another MVP trophy to his already impressive collection.

The National League MVP race is stacked with talent, and these five stars will be leading the charge. While Ohtani is the favorite, anything can happen over the course of a 162-game season. Will Soto’s big move to the Mets pay off? Can Tatis Jr. finally put it all together? Will Betts return to form? Can Harper add another chapter to his Hall of Fame career? One thing is certain, this race is going to be a good one.