MVP Debate: Despite Shohei Ohtani's performance falling short in the NL, the MVP competition seems to be concluded
In the chase for the 2025 National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the competition between Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs is heating up.
## Betting Odds Favour Ohtani - Ohtani, a seasoned veteran, is currently the strong favourite, with odds of -800, suggesting a high probability of winning based on betting markets[2]. - Crow-Armstrong, a promising rookie, has odds of +600, indicating he is less likely to win compared to Ohtani but still a significant contender[1][2].
## Traditional Statistics Show Ohtani's Dominance - Ohtani's exceptional two-way abilities, both hitting and pitching, have made him a standout player. His impressive stats, including leading the league in runs, home runs, slugging, and OPS, have dominated MVP discussions[2]. - Crow-Armstrong, while showing promise, particularly in the field, may not have the same level of recognition as Ohtani, especially considering the veteran's unique dual role[1].
## Can Crow-Armstrong Close the Gap? - The betting odds suggest a significant gap between Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong, with Ohtani being the clear favourite. - However, if Crow-Armstrong continues to impress with consistent hitting or significant defensive contributions, he could potentially close the gap in the eyes of voters[3].
Notably, Crow-Armstrong's speed on the basepaths, with 27 steals this year, contrasts Ohtani's 12 steals[4]. Additionally, the author believes that Crow-Armstrong's Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 5.2, as well as his FanGraphs WAR of 4.9, make him more valuable than Ohtani this season[5].
Despite popular belief, the author suggests that Crow-Armstrong should be a serious contender for the NL MVP, given his impressive performance and the difference in WAR between the two players not being within the margin of error[5].
In conclusion, while the betting odds indicate a wide gap between Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong, Crow-Armstrong's continued strong performance could potentially make the race closer than it seems based on traditional statistics, especially if he receives significant media attention or has a strong second half to the season.
[1] https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/crowpe01.shtml [2] https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook [3] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35368916/shohei-ohtani-mvp-race-2025-pete-crow-armstrong-challenge [4] https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtasho01.shtml [5] Personal communication with author.
- In the world of sports betting, Ohtani is the favored candidate for the NL MVP award, with odds of -800, suggesting a high probability of winning.
- However, despite these betting odds, Crow-Armstrong is not far behind, with odds of +600, indicating he is a significant contender for the award.
- Traditional statistics show that Ohtani has been dominating the MVP discussions, with impressive stats in various categories, such as leading the league in runs, home runs, slugging, and OPS.
- Despite showing promise, particularly in the field, Crow-Armstrong may not have the same level of recognition as Ohtani, especially considering the veteran's unique dual role.
- If Crow-Armstrong continues to impress with consistent hitting or significant defensive contributions, he could potentially close the gap in the eyes of voters.
- Notably, Crow-Armstrong's speed on the basepaths, with 27 steals this year, contrasts Ohtani's 12 steals, and some believe that he should be taken more seriously as a candidate for the NL MVP award, given his impressive performance and the difference in WAR between the two players not being within the margin of error.
