MLB NL MVP Race Tightens Around Ohtani, Crow-Armstrong, Alonso

Shohei Ohtani remains the strong favorite to win the 2025 National League MVP, with odds at -250, aiming for his third straight MVP award across both leagues. Despite Ohtani's dominance, several players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll are emerging as legitimate contenders, with Crow-Armstrong fueling the Chicago Cubs' success atop the NL Central and Carroll excelling in the NL West. Kyle Tucker also remains a key figure for the Cubs, contributing both power and speed to a top-ranked offense. However, Ohtani's pitching return has been delayed, with a scheduled simulated game postponed, leaving some uncertainty about when he'll resume pitching for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have struggled recently, losing five of their last eight games, and are just above .500 in the NL West standings, underscoring the potential impact of Ohtani's full return to the mound. Meanwhile, the Mets' exceptional pitching staff, with a team ERA of 2.85, stands out as a strong force in the league, potentially challenging Ohtani's dominance in matchups.