Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

This early favorite to win NL MVP may surprise you

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Apr 17, 2023 1:06 PM ET

MLB's 2023 campaign has only just gotten underway, but oddsmakers are already listing the best bets -- and biggest underdogs -- to win the end-of-the-season MVP awards. And while the favorite to win American League MVP will come as no shock to you, the current favorite to win in the National League may be a bit more surprising.

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei today put on the Samurai home run helmet for the first time

pic.twitter.com/mpiO8m3uTR
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) April 9, 2023

It should surprise no one that Shohei Ohtani is the early favorite to win AL MVP, listed at +120 odds at DraftKings. In addition to topping the league with a 0.47 ERA through 19.0 innings pitched, the Anaheim Angels phenom is also slashing .302/.393/.509 with three homeruns, nine RBI and 10 runs scored on 16 hits.

And the competition doesn't even come close as the second-listed player, Aaron Judge, is +700 at DK.

Shohei Ohtani strikes out fellow countryman and WBC teammate, Masataka Yoshida, with some to end the 1st

pic.twitter.com/DAXifjTLjA
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) April 17, 2023

Things get a little more complex when it comes to the National League favorites for MVP. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso leads the NL with eight homers and Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Brandon Marsh has everyone topped with a 1.196 OPS. But it's Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. who is the current NL MVP favorite at DK listed at +300 odds.

Acuna is second in the National League with 25 hits through 16 games played -- and has been an unstoppable force on defense as well.

Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 8th-inning checklist:

✔️ Double off Aroldis Chapman
✔️ Steals third base
✔️ This running catch pic.twitter.com/VxsMEZF3PX
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 16, 2023

Acuna certainly has a compelling case for MVP early in the season. He's off to a scorching hot start, slashing .373/.455/.567 with three home runs, 11 RBI, 16 runs scored and seven stolen bases.

The MLB MVP Awards will be announced after the conclusion of the 2023 season.

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