Top 5 National League MVP Contenders

When compared to the American League’s MVP race, the National League is filled with more familiar faces. Although there is one face on this year’s list that may come as a bit of surprise to baseball fans. Let’s examine the National League player field and see who the top 5 contenders for the 2025 NL MVP are.

1. Shohei Ohtani

Were you expecting someone different at the top this season? While Ohtani’s overall numbers pale in comparison to his historic 2024 NL MVP campaign, the Dodgers superstar is still head and shoulders above his peers in the NL MVP race this season. Ohtani currently leads the National League in OPS, slugging, and runs scored. The three-time MVP also ranks second in the National League in home runs, with over 38 dingers so far this season. All of these numbers are reasons why Ohtani is a lock to snag his fourth MVP award in 5 years.

2. Pete Crow-Armstrong

It’s been quite the breakout year for the young Cubs out-fielder. In just his third year of professional baseball, Crow-Armstrong has put himself squarely among the best in baseball. The Cubs All-Star currently leads the National League in both doubles and WAR, both stats that showcase Crow-Armstrong’s immense value to Chicago. The young Cubs star also ranks in the top 5 in home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases. If Crow-Armstrong wasn’t going toe to toe with arguably the best player in baseball in Ohtani, the MVP award would be his for the taking.

3. Will Smith

While Cal Raleigh is having a season for the ages from the catcher position over in the American League, Dodgers Catcher Will Smith has quietly put together a historic year as well in the National League. The three-time All-Star currently sports a slashing line of .321/.420/.536, a line that would even make Dodger great Mike Piazza blush. That .321 batting average also leads all National League batters this season. Although Smith isn’t hitting home runs at a high rate like in previous years, the Dodgers star’s ability to produce base hits at a career-high level puts him at a firm No. 3 in the NL MVP race.

4. Kyle Schwarber

The Phillies currently stand as one of the favorites to win the National League pennant this season, and the big bat of Kyle Schwarber has plenty to do with that. The three-time All-Star currently leads the National League in home runs and runs batted in, a feat that even the Phillies surely didn’t expect from the 32-year-old Schwarber. While the Phillies slugger has never been one to hit well for the average in his career, his .258 batting average this season shows that Schwarber’s plate discipline has been the key to his huge success at the plate this year.

5. Paul Skenes

There hasn’t been much to cheer about for Pirates fans this season as Pittsburgh looks destined to finish with a below .500 record once again, but their second-year ace has at least given fans a glimmer of hope for the future. The two-time All-Star currently leads the National League in ERA and ranks fourth in strikeouts so far this season.

Although some critics may scoff at Skenes’ 6-8 record as a starter this season, much of that record boils down to the Pirates’ inability to provide ample run support and the bullpen’s propensity to implode games. Even though this is the highest Skenes will finish in this year’s NL MVP race, the Cy Young award will serve as a nice consolation prize for the Pirates superstar.