When you think of National League MVP, one name immediately comes to mind: Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar has claimed the award for the past two seasons, and his unique ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate makes him the clear frontrunner for a third straight title. But even as Ohtani continues to strike out batters at an elite rate (10 per nine innings) and maintain a sub-1 WHIP, there's a subtle shift in the air. His bat has cooled slightly—he's slugging just .454 and recently endured a four-game hitless streak, a career first. Voter fatigue could be setting in, opening the door for a new wave of challengers.
FanDuel's odds reflect Ohtani's heavy favorite status at -370, but a handful of rising stars are quietly positioning themselves to make a run. Corbin Carroll (+1700) is a name to watch. After tying for sixth in MVP voting last season, the speedy outfielder is back from a broken hamate bone, drawing more walks and racking up extra-base hits at a historic pace. Then there's Matt Olson (+1700), who's leading the league in WAR after a scorching first month. With 11 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a slash line of .299/.380/.650, the Atlanta Braves' first baseman is making a loud early statement.
At just 24 years old, Elly De La Cruz (+2200) is already in his third MLB season. After battling a quad strain last year, the Cincinnati Reds' shortstop is back on track for a potential 40/40 season and sits just a fraction behind the league lead in WAR. Meanwhile, Ronald Acuña Jr. (+2200)—the most recent non-Ohtani MVP winner—continues to produce at an MVP level when healthy. His presence is a key reason the Braves boast the league's best record, though a recent IL stint means he'll need to bounce back quickly to stay in the hunt.
Rounding out the long-shot list is Juan Soto (+3000), who finished third in NL MVP voting last year. After battling injuries early this season, he's finally getting healthy for a Mets lineup desperate for a star to step up. His first game back was a promising sign, and if he can regain his form, don't count him out just yet. While Ohtani remains the man to beat, this season's MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in years.