Juan Soto Challenges Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP Title

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto has set his sights on winning his first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, aiming to dethrone Shohei Ohtani, who is pursuing his fourth consecutive MVP title. Soto, 27, expressed his determination, stating, "I'm going to be there every year, too. So he better keep doing what he's doing, because I'm coming," in an interview with MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Soto's impressive performance in 2025 included a batting average of .263, 43 home runs, 105 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases across 160 games, showcasing his potential as a serious MVP contender.

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Shohei Ohtani, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has established himself as a formidable opponent in the MVP race. In 2025, Ohtani recorded a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, and 102 RBIs, along with 20 stolen bases and a 1.014 OPS. Additionally, he contributed as a pitcher, making 14 starts with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings. Ohtani's unique ability to excel both as a hitter and a pitcher places him in a league of his own, making it challenging for any player, including Soto, to surpass his achievements.

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Soto recognizes that to compete with Ohtani, he must continually enhance his game. He stated, "I feel like in every standpoint... I try to keep showing power. I try to bring the average a little bit higher." Soto aims to emulate the legendary performances of past MVPs like Albert Pujols and Barry Bonds, acknowledging the high bar set by Ohtani. He emphasized the importance of consistent performance to remain in the MVP conversation, indicating that he is focused on improving every aspect of his game.

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Winning the MVP award holds personal significance for Soto, particularly as he seeks to become the first Dominican-born player to win the award since Pujols in 2009. He remarked, "From an individual standpoint, any player at any point in their career, they would love to win an MVP... it’s going to be great to have another player be named as an MVP from the island." This aspiration highlights Soto's desire not only for personal achievement but also for representation of his home country.

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Soto's statements reflect his competitive spirit and ambition to challenge Ohtani's dominance in the league. He acknowledges Ohtani's exceptional talent, saying, "He’s really good. He’s really good. I’ve just got to beat him." This sentiment underscores the respect Soto has for Ohtani while simultaneously expressing his determination to rise to the challenge.

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• “So he better keep doing what he's doing, because I'm coming.” — Juan Soto, New York Mets Outfielder

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• “From an individual standpoint, any player at any point in their career, they would love to win an MVP,” — Juan Soto

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• “He’s really good. He’s really good,” — Juan Soto

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As the 2026 season approaches, the rivalry between Soto and Ohtani is set to intensify, with both players aiming for the prestigious MVP title.

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