The Arrival of Baseball: A New Season Begins
With the conclusion of the football season each year comes the excitement of a new baseball season. The 2025 MLB campaign is off to a thrilling start with a two-game series between the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18-19. The regular season then kicks into high gear with Opening Day on March 27. As the season approaches, the spotlight shines on the players who are poised to make a significant impact, particularly those favored to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Let’s take a closer look at the early odds for the MVP candidates, as of February 18, from DraftKings Sportsbook.
American League MVP 2025: The Contenders
The American League is brimming with talent, and the early odds reveal a tight race for the MVP title. Last year’s winner, Aaron Judge, is the clear favorite to reclaim the crown with +300 odds. Judge, a stalwart of the New York Yankees, had a phenomenal 2024 season, leading the league in home runs (58), RBIs (144), and WAR (10.8), while also finishing third in batting average (.322). His brilliance helped the Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009, and he was named to the All-MLB first-team for the third time.
Right behind Judge is the young phenom, Bobby Witt Jr., with +450 odds. Witt, at just 24 years old, has already made a significant mark on the game. Last season, he was the MLB batting champion (.332), an All-Star, and a member of the All-MLB first-team. He also won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger Award. His impressive performance has earned him the second spot on the oddsboard, making him a formidable challenger to Judge.
The Rising Stars and Veterans
Following Witt, Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has +600 odds. Alvarez had a standout 2024 season, contributing significantly to the Astros’ success. Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, with +750 odds, is another rising star to watch. Henderson’s power hitting and defensive skills have made him a valuable asset for the Orioles.
Veteran players Jose Ramirez (+1500), Corey Seager (+1600), and Mike Trout (+1600) also feature prominently on the list. Ramirez, a consistent performer for the Cleveland Guardians, has been a key player in the team’s recent successes. Seager, with the San Diego Padres, has shown his leadership and hitting prowess, while Trout, a perennial All-Star for the Los Angeles Angels, continues to be one of the most talented players in the game.
National League MVP 2025: The Battle for supremacy
In the National League, the MVP race is equally competitive, with Shohei Ohtani leading the pack at +200 odds. Ohtani, the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, had an incredible 2024 campaign. He finished second in home runs (54), RBIs (130), and WAR (9.2), and fourth in batting average (.310). He also led the Dodgers to a World Series title in his first season with the franchise. Ohtani’s unique dual-threat abilities as a pitcher and hitter make him a genuine MVP favorite.
Juan Soto, the 26-year-old superstar with the New York Mets, is second on the oddsboard with +550 odds. Soto, a three-time All-MLB first-team selection, recently signed the largest contract in MLB history—a 15-year, $765 million deal—solidifying his status as one of the game’s top players. His offensive skills and leadership will be crucial for the Mets as they aim for a deep postseason run.
The Promising Young Talent
Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres, with +750 odds, is another young star with the potential to make a significant impact. Tatis, known for his explosive power and defensive skills, has been a cornerstone of the Padres’ lineup. Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with +1200 odds, is a seasoned veteran whose all-around game has consistently made him a top MVP candidate. Betts, an eight-time Gold Glove winner and four-time All-Star, has been a pillar of the Dodgers’ success.
Other notable candidates include Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies (+1400), Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros (+1500), Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves (+1600), and Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets (+1600). Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experiences that could make them strong MVP contenders.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 MLB season promises to be filled with excitement and thrilling moments as these talented players vie for the MVP titles. Whether it’s the seasoned veterans like Aaron Judge and Mike Trout or the young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, the competition is sure to be fierce. As the games unfold, the performances of these players will determine who stands out as the most valuable in their respective leagues. Baseball fans can look forward to a season packed with incredible plays, memorable moments, and the ever-present drama of the MVP race.
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