MLB MVP Odds: Is Two-Way Shohei A Lock?

The 2025 MLB MVP odds feature the superstars we've come to love from around. Reigning MVP winner Aaron Judge is the +300 favorite in the AL at FanDuel, while two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is the +180 chalk in the NL.

While the MLB season is still months away, there is lots of futures action coming on the MLB MVP odds board. Let's dig into the odds and come up with a few picks:

American League MVP Odds

Odds as of January 14 at FanDuel

AL MVP Favorite: Aaron Judge (+300)

Judge's 2024 season was exceptional, as he led baseball with a .322 batting average, 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and a 1.159 OPS over 158 games, earning him his second unanimous AL MVP award. His consistent offensive dominance and leadership were pivotal in the Yankees securing their first pennant in 15 years.

It helps that Judge plays in a big baseball market, but if he posts another monster 2025 season, he's a lock for MVP again. I say bombs away with betting him at +300.

Best AL MVP Value Pick: Gunnar Henderson (+600)

Gunnar is a five-tool talent, and he stole the show in the early days of 2024 with homers and stolen bases. Through 95 games, the O's shortstop hit 28 bombs, drove in 63 runs, and posted a .956 OPS. That's MVP stuff. Unfortunately, he tailed off in the second half, swatting just nine homers and with a .799 OPS in the final 65 games of the year. Henderson finished fourth in AL MVP voting.

With two full years to mature his approach at the plate, Henderson is a prime MVP pick at +600. The Orioles should be a hot contender again with him as their fearless leader.

National League MVP Odds

Odds as of January 14 at FanDuel

NL MVP Favorite: Shohei Ohtani (+180)

Ohtani had an unreal 2024 season with the Dodgers, hitting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and swiping 59 bases in 159 games. He did it all, capping off the year by helping L.A. win the World Series against the Yankees.

By July 2024, Ohtani was heavily favored to win the award. His case was locked shut when he became the first hitter in MLB history with 50 homers and 50 steals. Ohtani is a world-class talent, and he'll return to the mound for the 2025 season. It's unclear if he'll pitch a full season for L.A. next season, but any pitching contributions will only further his rock-solid MVP case.

NL MVP Value Pick: Ronald Acuna Jr. (+1500)

Optimism flows like wine in the offseason (and spring training), so I'll start the year with a value pick on Acuna. The speedy superstar posted 0.0 WAR a season ago, hitting for a .716 OPS before tearing his ACL after 49 games, ending the year.

So why am I optimistic? Well, in 2022, Acuna had a "down" year with just 15 homers and 50 RBIs. One year later, he stole 73 bases, posted a 1.012 OPS and won NL MVP. He's a streaky dude, and if the time off has made him stronger, he'll have a great 2025 season nestled in a strong Braves lineup. 

MLB MVP Award History

Recently, outfielders and first baseman have had a grip on the MVP races and that's pretty true for most of MLB history. Here are the all-time MLB MVP winners by position:

MLB Teams With Most MVPs

While MLB's most iconic franchises lead history with the most MVPs, three teams have never had an MVP:

How To Read MLB MVP Odds

The above chart features the MLB MVP odds for each top player in the American League and National League. At your sportsbook of choice, betting lines for MVP could look something like this:

Mookie Betts +650

Ronald Acuna Jr. +1000

Freddie Freeman +1200

This means that Betts is the favorite since he has the lowest odds and the highest chance of winning the prop, according to oddsmakers. If you were to bet $100 on Betts and he won, you would get a payout of $750 – your original $100 is returned along with your winnings of $650.

On the other hand, if you strongly believe that Freeman will shine in Los Angeles, a winning $100 bet on him would yield $1,300 – your $100 comes back along with your prize of $1,200.

Our odds calculator will show you how much you’d win based on the odds and amount bet.