MLB Insider Predicts 2025 MVP: Why Shohei Ohtani Won’t Win the Award

The MLB MVP race for 2025 is heating up, but there’s one shocking prediction that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world—Shohei Ohtani will not win the coveted MVP award. For years, Ohtani has been hailed as a generational talent, dominating both as a pitcher and hitter. However, the MLB insider community has recently made a bold prediction, and it’s not in favor of the two-way phenom. Let’s dive into why Ohtani might fall short of the MVP in 2025, and why this may be the most controversial prediction of the season.

Shohei Ohtani: The Phenomenon Everyone Admires

It’s hard to talk about MLB’s MVP race without immediately mentioning Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Angels superstar has done what no player has done in over a century: perform at an elite level both on the mound and at the plate. Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a two-way player, and his stats are nothing short of mind-blowing. In 2024, Ohtani finished the season with 44 home runs, 100 RBIs, a .280 batting average, and an ERA under 3.00. His historic performances have rightfully earned him MVP consideration in every season since he arrived in the majors.

However, despite his undeniable talent, some insiders believe that Ohtani’s reign over the MVP race may be nearing its end. And the reason for this is as unexpected as it is controversial.

The MVP Award Isn’t Always About Talent

While it’s true that Shohei Ohtani is arguably the most talented player in baseball, the MLB MVP isn’t necessarily awarded based on sheer talent alone. Often, the award goes to players who impact their team’s success in a more substantial way, and that’s where Ohtani may face challenges. His role on the Los Angeles Angels has long been a point of contention. Despite Ohtani’s outstanding individual performances, the Angels have consistently struggled to make it to the postseason.

If Ohtani were to continue his dominant performances but the Angels still fail to make the playoffs in 2025, it could hurt his chances of winning the MVP. The narrative around the MVP often leans toward players who are not only great individually but also lead their teams to playoff contention. Players like Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Ronald Acuña Jr. are all on teams that are likely to be in contention for a playoff spot, and that could tip the balance in their favor.

The Case for Other MVP Candidates

As good as Ohtani is, there are other MVP-caliber players in 2025 who could take home the award. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves are all poised to have standout seasons. Judge, fresh off a historic home run campaign in 2023, is expected to continue his dominance, leading one of the most powerful teams in the MLB. Betts, on the other hand, has consistently been a top contender for the MVP award, and his presence on a championship-contending Dodgers team could give him the edge over Ohtani.

Then there’s Acuña Jr., whose offensive prowess is unmatched in today’s game. As the centerpiece of the Atlanta Braves, Acuña is expected to put up staggering numbers in 2025, and if the Braves continue their winning ways, his MVP chances are looking more promising than ever.

The Ohtani Dilemma: Too Much Focus on Individual Performance?

While Shohei Ohtani’s ability to pitch and hit at an elite level is unprecedented, it may also be a double-edged sword. Being a two-way player requires an immense amount of energy and focus, and Ohtani has already shown signs of fatigue. Will his body be able to handle the demands of both roles for an entire season, or will his performance start to suffer as the year progresses?

This could be the year that Ohtani’s dual role works against him. The MVP voters may see him as an individual superstar but may question whether he’s truly the most valuable player for his team. Ohtani’s performances on both sides of the ball are incredible, but they may not be enough to compensate for the Angels’ failures as a team. It’s a brutal reality that MVP voters sometimes have to face—the award is about more than just individual greatness. It’s about leadership, influence, and success, something that Ohtani might struggle to showcase if the Angels underperform once again.

A Shifting Narrative for 2025

Ohtani’s MVP chances for 2025 are in jeopardy, and it’s not because of any decline in his talent. Rather, it’s the narrative surrounding his value to a team. As the baseball world continues to evolve, voters may start looking at the overall context of a player’s success, and unfortunately, Ohtani’s narrative might not fit the bill. Without a playoff berth to back up his remarkable individual numbers, voters may ultimately choose someone from a more successful team.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding Ohtani’s amazing feats, but in the cutthroat world of MVP voting, it’s the team success that often makes the difference. With other MVP-worthy players on contending teams, Ohtani might find himself out of the conversation, despite his otherworldly talent.

The Controversy: Is Ohtani’s Time at the Top Over?

This bold prediction by the MLB insider has sparked an intense debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that Ohtani’s unparalleled abilities should automatically secure him the MVP, regardless of the Angels’ performance. Others, however, believe that team success should always factor into the decision, and if Ohtani’s Angels fail to make a postseason run, his chances of winning the MVP could be slim.

As the 2025 season unfolds, one thing is clear: this prediction will be one of the most debated topics in MLB. Fans of Shohei Ohtani will undoubtedly rally behind their favorite player, but can he overcome the challenges posed by other MVP contenders? Only time will tell if Ohtani can continue his reign as one of baseball’s most valuable players, or if his MVP days are numbered.

Conclusion

The 2025 MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most controversial and competitive in recent memory. Shohei Ohtani, despite being an absolute sensation, may not walk away with the award, and many of the reasons why are tied to team success, narrative, and the rise of other MVP-caliber players. Ohtani’s legacy is secure, but his MVP chances? They may just slip away if the Angels can’t get their act together.

So, while Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly one of the most electrifying players in the game, 2025 may not be the year he adds another MVP trophy to his collection. The MLB insider prediction is a bold one, but as the season progresses, it may become clearer than ever whether Ohtani’s dominance is enough to carry him to an MVP award, or if team success will reign supreme.