Ohtani’s MVP Track Record Speaks for Itself
Shohei Ohtani is the most dominant force in baseball, and his resume proves it. He won AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 with the Angels (arguably should have won in 2022 as well) and captured the NL MVP in 2024 with the Dodgers—despite not throwing a single pitch. His ability to impact the game as both a hitter and a pitcher is unprecedented, and now that he’s returning to the mound in 2025, his case for another MVP is even stronger.
Ohtani’s +175 odds to win the award at BetMGM may not seem like a longshot, but when you consider his overwhelming impact, it still represents value. There’s simply no one else in the sport who contributes as much to his team’s success.
Ohtani Was an Elite Hitter in 2024—And He’s Set To Do It Again
Last season, Ohtani put up video game numbers at the plate, slashing .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs while playing in a loaded Dodgers lineup. Surrounded by elite hitters like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, he maximized his efficiency and run production, cementing his status as the best offensive player in the game.
There’s no reason to believe that will change in 2025. With the same lineup protection and his generational talent, Ohtani is fully expected to put up MVP-caliber numbers once again.
The Return to the Mound Makes Him Even More Dangerous
As if his offensive dominance wasn’t enough, Ohtani will also be back on the mound this season. Through 86 career MLB starts, he’s gone 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings. He’s a legitimate ace when healthy, and his return to pitching adds another layer to his MVP case.
After missing the 2024 season on the mound, Ohtani is more motivated than ever to reestablish himself as a two-way force. If he posts solid pitching numbers to complement his already elite hitting, it will be nearly impossible for anyone else to match his total value.
Why Ohtani Is the Best MVP Bet on the Board
Simply put, nobody in baseball is more valuable than Shohei Ohtani. He’s already won three MVPs in four seasons and has proven that he can win the award as both a two-way player and a pure hitter. Now, with his return to the mound, his case only gets stronger.
At +175, the odds aren’t long, but they might be the safest bet in the futures market. If Ohtani stays healthy, another MVP trophy seems inevitable.
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