Shohei Ohtani Poised to Secure 2025 MLB MVP, Says Insider
Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar Shohei Ohtani is on track to clinch his third Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, according to renowned MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal’s prediction underscores Ohtani’s exceptional performance and his transformative impact on the game.
In a recent analysis, Rosenthal highlighted Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and a hitter, a rarity in modern baseball. “If he continues to dominate both on the mound and at the plate, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be the front-runner for the MVP,” Rosenthal remarked. This endorsement comes after Ohtani’s historic achievements in the 2024 season, where he became the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His performance not only set new records but also led the Dodgers to a World Series championship, solidifying his status as a generational talent.
Ohtani’s 2024 season was marked by numerous milestones. He surpassed Shawn Green’s Dodgers single-season home run record with 54 homers and led the league with 130 RBIs. His 59 stolen bases also set a new benchmark for Japanese-born players in MLB. These accomplishments earned him unanimous National League MVP honors, making him the first designated hitter to receive the award in MLB history.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ohtani remains a formidable force. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, he has returned to the field with vigor, continuing to excel as both a hitter and a pitcher. His versatility and consistent performance make him a strong contender for the MVP award once again.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also expressed confidence in Ohtani’s potential to secure the MVP title. “With Shohei in our lineup, it’s almost like we’ve already locked in the MVP,” Roberts stated. “His ability to impact the game in so many ways is unparalleled.”
As the 2025 MLB season progresses, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani as he continues to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in baseball. With his unparalleled skill set and unwavering dedication, he is poised to add another MVP award to his illustrious career.
Dodgers share next steps for Ohtani’s return to the mound
The timeline for Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitch remains unclear, but just days after the birth of his first child, the Japanese superstar is already back to work and continuing his progression on the mound.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not know Tuesday if Ohtani threw while he was on the paternity list over the weekend, but he said that the brief break didn’t change the 30-year-old’s throwing progression.
Ohtani played catch ahead of the team’s series opener against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Following that, Roberts said, the next step will be Ohtani throwing a light bullpen Wednesday before coming back for a “full-blown” bullpen Saturday.
“I still don’t know what the next step is [beyond bullpens],” Roberts said, “and I think once he starts facing hitters, then it’ll start to become more pronounced. But right now, he’s still in the mode of just throwing bullpens. He still hasn’t thrown sliders yet, either.”
Ohtani had previously thrown around 30 pitches in a bullpen session on April 12, which followed bullpens on April 5 (26 pitches) and March 29 (20 pitches). He underwent a right ulnar collateral ligament repair procedure in September 2023 and arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder on Nov. 6.
Considering how important Ohtani is to the team even when he is not pitching, Los Angeles is not rushing the process of his return. That in itself, in some eyes, could make bringing him back as a pitcher a risk not worth taking — but Roberts doesn’t see it that way.
“[Ohtani is] a guy that has done it, has performed really well as a pitcher, [has] the desire to do that [and] the talent to do that, and you essentially get two All-Star players in one,” Roberts said. “So there’s a lot of upside, but I certainly understand people’s opinions.”