Juan Soto Named NL MVP Finalist After First Mets Season

The race for Major League Baseball’s most prestigious individual honor is heating up. One of the sport’s brightest stars has his name firmly in the mix.

Juan Soto, in his debut season with the New York Mets, is a finalist for the National League Most Valuable Player award. His inclusion caps off a year filled with career highs, record-setting milestones, and the kind of all-around play that sticks in your memory.

This blog breaks down Soto’s standout season and the competition he faces in the NL. We’ll also take a quick look at how his journey compares to a star-studded American League MVP race.

Juan Soto’s Historic First Season in New York

When Soto signed his 15-year, $765 million mega-deal before the 2024 season, Mets fans hoped for transformative production. They got exactly that.

Soto posted a .263 batting average with a stellar .921 OPS. He slugged an impressive 43 home runs and swiped 38 bases — all career highs.

His performance went way beyond the usual stats. Soto’s 6.2 bWAR put him third among NL position players, trailing only Geraldo Perdomo (7.0) and Shohei Ohtani (6.6).

This blend of power, speed, and advanced metrics makes a strong case for MVP consideration. He’s able to impact games in so many ways, it’s honestly wild.

A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Soto is just 27, but he’s no stranger to the MVP conversation. He finished third in AL MVP voting last year with the Yankees and second in the NL back in 2021 with the Nationals.

This kind of sustained excellence is rare. Soto’s latest campaign shows off his remarkable consistency across teams and leagues.

The National League MVP Finalists

Soto’s case is strong, but his competition is no joke. The NL finalists feature some of the most dynamic talents in baseball today:

• Juan Soto (New York Mets) – 43 HR, 38 SB, 6.2 bWAR
• Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) – Two-way superstar with 6.6 bWAR, redefining the modern game
• Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies) – Power-hitting force and clubhouse leader

Each guy brings something unique to the table. Soto’s blend of high-level hitting and base-running explosiveness really does set him apart.

But let’s be honest, voters love historic feats and players who lead their teams to big wins. The final tally? It’s up in the air.

Breaking Down Soto vs. Ohtani

Ohtani’s presence changes the MVP conversation every year. His value comes from being both a top-tier pitcher and an elite hitter.

Soto, meanwhile, produces purely as a position player, so his numbers have to stand out even more. With career-best stats, he’s made his case, but will it be enough?

The American League MVP Race

While Mets fans focus on Soto’s chances in the NL, the AL features its own intense battle:

• Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) – League-leading 9.7 bWAR, .331 average, 53 HR, 1.144 OPS
• Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) – 60 homers, 7.3 bWAR, redefining offensive output for catchers
• José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians) – Consistent offensive and defensive force

Most analysts expect a showdown between Judge’s well-rounded dominance and Raleigh’s jaw-dropping power numbers. Judge’s blend of production and defensive value might give him the edge.

What Makes the MVP Award Special

The MVP isn’t just about stats — it’s about impact, legacy, and narrative. Soto’s first season in New York has transformed the Mets’ outlook, delivering on the hype surrounding his record-breaking contract.

The shift in momentum he brought to the clubhouse and the fan base is exactly the kind of thing voters keep in mind. And honestly, that’s what makes this race so fun to watch.

Final Thoughts

Juan Soto’s first season with the Mets has been nothing short of spectacular. The NL MVP race is loaded with stars, but Soto’s career-best numbers and steady play make him a real contender.

Fans in Queens can feel it—something special is brewing. Soto’s prime might still be ahead, and his presence could push the Mets into a whole new era of success.

 
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