The MLB season is still young, but that hasn’t stopped sportsbooks and fans from taking notice of some impressive early performances by teams and players.
There have been teams that have emerged to some surprising beginnings to the 2025 season.
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As far as the American League, Yankees’ stud Aaron Judge has been the clear standout as the best player through his 31 games.
Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge rounds the bases en route to a triple against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 23, 2025.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
In the National League, however, teams like the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets have gotten off to strong starts, fueled by standout performances from key players.
But there is one player that’s on the Los Angeles Dodgers that tops the list of a close race in NL MVP talks, according to Yahoo Sports and BetMGM.
Shohei Ohtani leads bettings odds for the NL MVP award
Even through a few stretches of rough baseball, the Dodgers currently hold the best record in all of baseball with 21 wins and 10 losses.
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With this being said, their team leader and one of the biggest names in baseball, Shohei Ohtani, has risen sportsbooks and is the current favorite (+220) to win the NL MVP award.
Ohtani leads a close race ahead of players like Fernando Tatis Jr. (+400), Kyle Tucker (+400), Corbin Carroll (+500), Pete Alonso (+650) and Francisco Lindor (+1400).
One question to consider when evaluating betting odds is when the Dodgers expect their designated hitter to return to the mound this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17).Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
He hasn’t pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2023 and suffering a torn left labrum in Game 2 of the World Series last October.
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While Ohtani remains the favorite, several stars – including Tatis Jr., Tucker, Carroll, Alonso and Lindor – are off to outstanding starts in 2025 and could challenge him in the odds if their dominant play continues.
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