Earlier in the season, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts took their turns as National League MVP favourites. But this has been Shohei Ohtani's race to lose for a while now.
The latest: We're used to seeing Ohtani shine as a two-way superstar, but this year he's doing enough with just his bat to earn odds-on MVP favourite status. Francisco Lindor is his closest adversary right now, but he's still well behind.
Let's take a look at the current NL MVP odds.
NL MVP odds
Check out the latest odds to win NL MVP. Click linked odds to add selection to your betslip.
Best NL MVP odds
The favourite: Shohei Ohtani (-3,335)
Injuries can alter awards markets in a blink.
At one point, Betts was nearly the odds-on favourite to win MVP. But after fracturing his hand and missing nearly two months of action, he's completely off the board.
Given that Ohtani isn't pitching this year (as he recovers from elbow surgery last fall), it seemed like a perfect time for someone else to win MVP. After all, no designated hitter has ever won MVP — aside from Ohtani, who did it twice in the AL while also accruing value from the mound.
But now a DH-only MVP campaign is more than possible. It's highly likely.
With NL-best marks in runs, home runs and OPS, Ohtani has provided plenty of value without ever donning a glove.
Amazingly, despite spending a solid chunk of the season in the leadoff spot, Ohtani is still within range to vie for the NL Triple Crown.
NL MVP notes
- If you're skeptical of one-way Ohtani winning MVP, then Lindor (+2,000) is your best bet. His New York Mets are just outside the playoff picture, but Lindor is doing everything he can to get them in. His added value as a fielder is his best argument, though, because Lindor's offensive numbers are nowhere near Ohtani's level.
