Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge Snubbed? Steven Kwan’s Surprising MVP Pick

The 2025 MLB season is set to be an electrifying one, with many fans and analysts expecting Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani to dominate the league once again. Both superstars have consistently proven themselves as the best in baseball, making them the top picks for the MVP award. However, not everyone shares this sentiment—especially not Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan.

Kwan’s Unexpected MVP Choice

While most of the baseball world is focused on Ohtani and Judge, Steven Kwan recently made waves with his surprising MVP prediction. During an appearance on MLB Network Radio, Kwan was asked by host Greg Amsinger who he believed to be the best baseball player right now. Without hesitation, Kwan named Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.

“I’m probably biased, having seen him so often in the American League Central, but it’s hard not to say that Bobby Witt Jr. is not the best player right now,” Kwan stated. “He impacts both sides of the game, and everything he hits seems like a double from the start. I have to imagine he’ll be pretty close to the top.”

Why Bobby Witt Jr. Deserves MVP Consideration

Bobby Witt Jr. is certainly an elite talent, and his performance in the 2024 season backs up Kwan’s claim. Witt finished with an impressive .332 batting average, securing the American League batting title. His all-around game, which includes stellar defense and outstanding base running, makes him a serious contender for the MVP title.

Analyst Brian Kenny also provided strong arguments in favor of Witt, comparing his stats to those of Aaron Judge.

• Slugging Percentage: Witt finished second in the American League, right behind Judge, even surpassing Juan Soto in this metric.

• Fielding Runs: Judge recorded a -3 defensive rating, while Witt was a +12, highlighting his elite defensive abilities.

• Baserunning: Witt had a +4.5 baserunning rating, while Judge’s was in the negative range, hovering around the league average.

Kenny emphasized Witt’s durability, stating, “Witt played 161 games. He missed just one day, defending skillfully, charging hard.” His consistent presence on the field gives him an advantage over other MVP candidates who may struggle with injuries or fatigue.

Could Witt Jr. Outshine Ohtani and Judge?

Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance and Aaron Judge’s power-hitting prowess make them perennial MVP contenders. However, Kwan’s endorsement of Witt Jr. brings a fresh perspective to the debate. With the Kansas City Royals shortstop showcasing an elite combination of hitting, defense, and baserunning, he could be a dark horse for the 2025 AL MVP award.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Witt Jr. to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set by Kwan and challenge baseball’s biggest superstars. One thing is certain—this year’s MVP race just got a whole lot more interesting.