Is baseball history being written before our very eyes, or are we witnessing an unfair shutout of other deserving players? The dominance of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in the MVP race is undeniable. Judge has snagged the award twice in a row, while Ohtani boasts an unprecedented three-peat (https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-mlb-mvp-award-winners). Consider this: they've claimed seven out of the last ten MVP trophies handed out since 2021! It's a stunning testament to their incredible talent and a privilege for us, the fans, to witness.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this era of superstar supremacy inadvertently overshadowing other phenomenal players? Think about it: many athletes are putting up MVP-caliber seasons, only to be eclipsed by the sheer brilliance of Judge and Ohtani. These are players who, in almost any other era, would likely have an MVP trophy on their mantle. They're consistently denied the recognition they arguably deserve because of the unprecedented performances of these two titans. A great piece highlights some of the best seasons that somehow didn’t win an MVP Award (https://www.mlb.com/news/greatest-non-mvp-baseball-seasons-c301022892). It really makes you think about the near-misses!
So, the burning question is: Eventually – one would assume, right? – someone has to break through and end their reign. Who will that game-changer be? Who has the potential to knock Judge and/or Ohtani off their MVP thrones in 2026? Let's explore five potential candidates from each league, listed alphabetically, who might just have what it takes:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics
Okay, some might say this is premature, but consider what Kurtz accomplished in 2025. In just 117 games, he blasted 36 home runs, showcasing slash numbers that rivaled even Judge's best. At 22, Judge was still honing his skills in Single-A and High-A ball. Kurtz, on the other hand, posted a staggering 1.002 OPS in the major leagues. And this is the part most people miss... remember that incredible game where he racked up six hits and four home runs (https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-kurtz-hits-4-home-runs-against-astros)? The potential is clearly there. The question is, can he continue to improve at this pace? He only needs to get a little bit better to reach Judge's current level.
Cal Raleigh, C, Mariners
Why can't he replicate his success? The thrill of discovery might be gone because we've already seen what Raleigh can do. Who knew a switch-hitting catcher could crush 60 home runs? But it's not like he faded as the season progressed. Raleigh remains one of baseball's premier hitters while simultaneously excelling at the physically and mentally demanding position of catcher. A bit more luck on batted balls could boost his batting average, making those 60 homers seem even more impressive. Raleigh gave Judge the closest competition he’s had for any MVP-winning year. He’s still young and might just keep improving.
José Ramírez, 3B, Guardians
One of these years, right? J-Ram finished third in MVP voting this year, marking the eighth time he's landed in the top 10. His closest brush with the award was in 2020 when he finished second to José Abreu, a year many believe Ramírez should have won. At 33, some might think time is running out, but he's actually younger than Judge. It would certainly help if the Guardians bolstered the lineup around him. Regardless of your stance on RBIs as a crucial stat, 85 is a rather low number for an MVP contender. And this is the part most people miss... A stronger supporting cast would undoubtedly elevate his chances.
Julio Rodríguez, CF, Mariners
He's been around long enough that it's easy to forget his youth, but he's only two years older than Kurtz. Rodríguez hasn't quite replicated the numbers from his sensational rookie season, but 2025 marked a step forward from a disappointing '24. He ignited another of his trademark second-half surges, reaffirming his status as one of baseball's most streaky players. One of these years, that streak will last the entire season. Imagine the possibilities!
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals
Here's a prime example of a player who almost certainly would've won an MVP if it weren't for Judge. Witt's 2024 season was the kind that screams MVP, only to be overshadowed by the Yankees slugger's ridiculous year. While not quite as dominant in 2025, he still earned a Gold Glove Award at shortstop and recorded his fourth consecutive 20-20 season. Like Ramírez, he could benefit from more lineup support. More home run power wouldn't hurt, either. Witt led the Majors with 47 doubles this season, and as he matures, some of those are bound to turn into homers. It's only a matter of time before Witt claims an MVP Award, and likely more than one.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Corbin Carroll, RF, Diamondbacks
Carroll was a revelation during his Rookie of the Year campaign two years ago. While still a valuable player in his sophomore year, he didn't quite reach those initial heights in 2024. However, he rebounded impressively in '25, once again leading the NL in triples with 17 while displaying increased power, launching a career-high 31 home runs. He continues to steal bases at will. All he needs now is improved plate discipline. His strikeouts increased last season, while his walks decreased. But, at just 25 (having turned 25 in August), he's barely scratching the surface of his potential. Carroll, too, is just getting started.
Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds
You know it's coming. Simply observing De La Cruz, with his extraordinary physical gifts and undeniable talent, makes you envision an MVP Award – perhaps multiple – in his future. He simply needs to refine his game. He still strikes out too frequently, doesn't walk enough, and even his power and stolen bases dipped slightly in 2025. He also led the NL in errors for the second consecutive season, highlighting areas for improvement. But among the players on this list, only Kurtz is younger than De La Cruz, who won't turn 24 until January. He's going to put it all together someday, and soon. When he does? Watch out!
Paul Skenes, SP, Pirates
It's been 11 years since a pitcher – Clayton Kershaw in 2014 (https://www.mlb.com/news/pitchers-to-win-mlb-mvp-award) – won an MVP Award, and it feels even more challenging to achieve now. If there's one pitcher in baseball capable of replicating a Bob-Gibson-in-1968-esque season of utter dominance, it has to be Skenes, right? Remember: After 55 career starts, Skenes' ERA is under 2.00! That's incredible, and he seems to gain strength as the season progresses. He might soon deliver a season that's simply impossible to ignore.
Juan Soto, RF, Mets
Yep, he still hasn't won one! Eight seasons into a potential Hall of Fame career, with a lifetime WAR already surpassing Jose Canseco, Don Mattingly, and Darryl Strawberry, and six top-10 MVP finishes, Soto has yet to reach the pinnacle. It doesn't matter which league he plays in; Judge bested him in the AL last season, and Ohtani edged him out in the NL this time. Can you imagine if Soto somehow doesn't win an MVP? How would we possibly explain that in 20 years? Here's guessing we won't have to. He's simply too talented to be denied forever.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF, Padres
All those past troubles seem to be fading into the rearview mirror. Tatis hasn't quite matched his pre-suspension numbers, but he's getting closer, and he's now the undisputed leader of a team that consistently comes close to greatness but never quite achieves it. His seamless transition to a new position – he won the NL Platinum Glove Award in 2025 (https://www.mlb.com/news/fernando-tatis-jr-bobby-witt-jr-win-platinum-gloves) – has significantly enhanced his image. Tatis is now viewed as a true gamer, the kind of player who elevates a team to victory. He's flirted with a 30-30 season throughout his career but hasn't quite reached it. Maybe he'll skip it entirely and go straight to 40-40!
Now, it's your turn. Who do you think has the best shot at dethroning Judge and Ohtani? Are there any other players you think are being overlooked? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with my assessment of these players' chances? Which player is most likely to win an MVP in the next three years? Or, is it possible that Judge and Ohtani's dominance will continue for the foreseeable future, making any challenge futile?
