NL MVP’s 8 long-shot options chasing Shohei Ohtani

TL;DR

Shohei Ohtani is the favorite to win the NL MVP for a third consecutive year, but several players like Corbin Carroll and Matt Olson are emerging contenders. Ohtani's recent slump and potential voter fatigue may open the door for these rising stars.

Key points

Shohei Ohtani is the favorite for NL MVP at -370 odds.
Ohtani is experiencing a hitting slump, going hitless in four games.
Corbin Carroll and Matt Olson are strong contenders with +1700 odds.
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto are also in the MVP conversation.
Voter fatigue may influence the decision for the MVP award.

New York MetsLos Angeles AngelsAtlanta Braves

May 1, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) reaches first on a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Shohei Ohtani has won the past two National League MVP awards, and his two-way production as a pitcher and a hitter give him a leg up on the competition in the race for what could be his third. FanDuel’s odds for NL MVP show Ohtani (-370) as the easy favorite to repeat amidst an emerging field of rising stars. Ohtani’s striking out 10 batters per 9 innings and posting a sub-1 WHIP. He’s still an excellent hitter who’s drawn the most intentional walks, but he’s slugging just .454 and working through a genuine slump, going hitless through four straight games for the first time in his career. Even a small dimming of Ohtani’s star might contribute to voter fatigue as members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) look to reward more of the game’s incredible talents. Despite the long odds of overtaking the dual-threat Ohtani, there are a few early candidates who could see their stocks rise significantly with another impressive month of production. **Corbin Carroll** (+1700) finished tied for sixth in NL MVP voting last season, and he’s returning from a broken hamate bone by drawing more walks and legging out extra-base hits at an historic clip. **** (+1700) is leading the league in WAR after the first month, mashing 11 HRs and pushing across a league-leading 31 RBI while slashing .299/.380/.650. **** (+2200) is already in his third season in the pros at just 24 years old. After playing through a quad strain for much of last season, he’s back on pace for a potential 40/40 season, and just a fraction behind the league lead in WAR. **** (+2200) was the most recent non-Ohtani recipient of NL MVP, and he’s produced MVP-caliber numbers whenever he’s healthy. His health is another big reason for the Braves’ league-leading win total, but he’ll need to bounce back quickly from a . **Juan Soto** (+3000) – finished third in NL MVP voting last year, and he’s starting to get healthy for a Mets lineup that’s desperate for a star to step up. His first game back in the lineup marked the end of a 12-game losing streak. **James Wood** (+4000) has a massive frame and a short swing that blasts through contact. He strikes out a fair amount, but he’s also walking more this season (19.9% walk rate leads NL), and has made a few in right field. **** (+5000) won the 2025 Rookie of the Year award, and if the left handed-hitting catcher continues on his pace to leap past last year’s 19 HRs, he could emerge as Atlanta’s brightest star. **** (+6000) is stealing more bases and he’s already exceeded last season’s HR total, showing the 23-year-old might be getting comfortable in his 6’6”, 250 lb. frame.

Q&A

Who are the top contenders for the NL MVP besides Shohei Ohtani?

Top contenders include Corbin Carroll, Matt Olson, Elly De La Cruz, and Ronald Acuna Jr.

What are Shohei Ohtani's current stats affecting his MVP chances?

Ohtani is striking out 10 batters per 9 innings with a sub-1 WHIP, but is experiencing a hitting slump with a .454 slugging percentage.

How has Corbin Carroll performed this season in the MVP race?

Corbin Carroll, returning from an injury, is drawing more walks and hitting extra-base hits at a historic rate, with MVP odds at +1700.

What impact could voter fatigue have on Ohtani's MVP chances?

Voter fatigue may lead the Baseball Writers' Association of America to consider other talents, especially if Ohtani's performance continues to decline.