The New York Mets made a splash last season by signing Juan Soto, one of baseball's brightest stars, and with it came sky-high expectations. Soto is seen as an MVP-caliber player, but capturing the National League MVP Award is no easy feat, especially with Shohei Ohtani in the mix. Ohtani is a force on both sides of the ball, dominating as both a hitter and a starting pitcher.
Ohtani's resume is intimidating. He's claimed three consecutive MVP Awards, the last two with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League.
His 2024 season was legendary, earning MVP honors without even taking the mound, thanks to a jaw-dropping 54 homers and 59 steals, marking the first-ever 50-50 season. Last year, he upped the ante with 55 home runs and a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts.
Soto, while an exceptional hitter, can't match Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities on the mound. Yet, Soto isn't backing down.
He issued a challenge to Ohtani, signaling his intent to compete for the MVP crown. “I’m going to be there every year, too,” Soto declared, as reported by MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
“So he better keep doing what he’s doing, because I’m coming.”
Soto's credentials are impressive: four All-Star nods, six Silver Sluggers, a World Series title, and a batting crown. He's consistently been in the MVP conversation, finishing third in the race for two straight seasons.
Last year, Soto showcased his speed, swiping 38 bases-a career high and tops in the National League. With his power, he's a 40-homer threat, and a historic blend of power and speed could be his ticket to finally dethroning Ohtani.