MLB MVP Predictions: Can Bobby Witt Challenge Aaron Judge in the AL?
Cactus and Grapefruit League action is about to be underway, which means anyone who lives in a frosty winter location can embrace warmth through the magic of sunshine, baseball diamonds, and vendors selling absurdly long hot dogs.
And while you're dreaming, go ahead and make your early MLB MVP predictions with us. Now is the time to get those bets in before the odds at our best MLB betting sites begin to bounce around following injuries or subpar performances during spring training.
Some Los Angeles Dodgers stars predictably lead in the NL by the odds, and a certain New York Yankees slugger is the AL favorite. But there's a rising five-tool megastar in Kansas City who's well-positioned to challenge Aaron Judge.
Who is favored to win MLB MVP?
The defending MVPs in both leagues are favored, with Shohei Ohtani getting +200 odds through Caesars in the NL, and Aaron Judge sitting at +300 in the AL.
However, the gap is wider for Ohtani, with Juan Soto second in the NL at +550. Ohtani's odds imply a 33.33% probability, while Soto sits at 15.38%. Bobby Witt Jr. is right on Judge's tail in the AL, with the Yankees outfielder getting a 25% implied probability on his +300, and Witt at +450 and an 18.18% implied probability.
MLB MVP odds
Here are the rest of the MLB MVP odds in the AL and NL from our best sportsbooks.
Some other notes and observations:
- There's a clear top two in both leagues, and a sizable gap to third by the odds
- Past MLB MVP odds during spring training have led to significant payouts through appealing prices for the eventual winner, so it may be wise to think hard about the likes of Francisco Lindor (+2000) or Bryce Harper (+1600)
- Incredibly, there are three Dodgers players in the top 15 on the NL side, with Freddie Freeman sitting 12th while also an intriguing long-shot candidate (+3500)
Our MLB MVP predictions, picks & best bets
- My best MLB MVP prediction: Bobby Witt Jr. (+450 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- My best value bet: Mookie Betts (+1300 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
- My best long shot: Rafael Devers (+3000 via Caesars) ⭐⭐
🏆 Best MLB MVP prediction: Bobby Witt Jr. (+450 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aaron Judge has been the king in the AL recently in a few ways, including taking two of the past three MVP awards.
That gives him an uphill battle already in 2025 against voter fatigue, which shouldn't exist but sadly does. Combine that with the usual health landmines Judge needs to navigate (he's played 150-plus games just three times), and there's an opportunity for a challenger to emerge. Or rather in the case of Witt, maintain the ever-present pressure.
Witt is only marginally behind Judge in the AL by the odds, and for good reason. He excels at a premium defensive position as a shortstop, and the immensely athletic talent has now put together two straight 30-30 seasons, including being just one year removed from finishing fourth leaguewide with 49 steals.
He's been lurking for a few campaigns now, and his time could be coming.
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💎 Best value bet to be named MVP: Mookie Betts (+1300 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
Betts was firmly in the NL MVP race this past season before an injury derailed that bid while limiting his year to 116 games.
But Betts produced impressively in that limited sample while still hitting 19 home runs and finishing fifth in the NL with an .863 OPS. He doesn't run on the base paths as much as earlier in his career, but Betts still swiped 16 bases last year too, matching his highest total since 2019.
He's won the AL MVP once, and has finished second in NL voting twice, most recently in 2023 when Betts smacked a career-high 39 home runs.
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🎯 Best long shot to be named MVP: Rafael Devers (+3000 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is temping here too due to the baseball launcher now all but certain to hit free agency and therefore getting contract-year motivation. But the Toronto Blue Jays very possibly being out of contention might hurt his cause, though Vlad could be dealt before the trade deadline if they're out of it enough.
Still, the +3000 odds for Devers at BetMGM are far more alluring than the +1700 for Guerrero. And although he may not always do it at a high level, Devers plays a more critical defensive position at third than Vlad does at first.
Devers also plays for a clearly rising contender in the MLB playoff odds after the Boston Red Sox made several key offseason additions, including Alex Bregman and Garrett Crochet. He routinely hits laser beams, with an average exit velocity that's ranked among the top 5% leaguewide in three straight seasons. And a healthy Devers can hit 30-plus homers, as he has three times before.
❓ MLB MVP FAQs
Who are the MLB MVP favorites?
Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani is the favorite in the National League at +200, leading to an implied probability of 33.33%. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees is the front-runner in the American League while getting +300 odds, translating to an implied probability of 25%.
Who won the MLB MVP Awards last year?
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani won his third MVP award and first in the National League during 2024.
In the American League, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge won for the second time.
When will the MLB MVP Awards be decided?
The winners of the 2024 MLB MVP Awards were announced on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Who has won the most MVP awards?
Barry Bonds' seven career MVP awards are the most in MLB history. No one else has won more than three, with 10 players tied at that number.
When is Opening Day?
Opening Day is on March 27, which is among the many MLB key dates for the 2025 season.
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