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The New York Mets missed the playoffs in 2025, but outfielder Juan Soto was tremendous in his first year with the franchise after signing his massive deal. He played in 160 games and had a .263 batting average with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs, along with 38 stolen bases. Soto was caught stealing four times. His on-base percentage was .396.
Soto has not won an MVP in his baseball career before. He will be one of the favorites to win the National League MVP in 2026. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has won the National League MVP the last two seasons. Ohtani during the 2025 season played in 158 games.
He had a .282 batting average with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs, along with 20 stolen bases. Ohtani was caught stealing six times and his on-base percentage was .392. Is there a chance that Ohtani can win the award three years in a row or can Soto win the award this season?
New York Mets Outfielder Juan Soto Warns Shohei Ohtani He's Coming For the MVP
The 27-year-old outfielder has accomplished so much already in his MLB career. Soto is on track to be a hall of famer even without the MVP awards. Well, he is going to be around in the National League for a while and so is 31-year-old Ohtani.
Soto spoke to Anthony DiComo of mlb.com about the chances of him winning the National League MVP Award during the 2026 MLB season. The Mets star outfielder said, "“I’m going to be there every year, too. So he better keep doing what he’s doing, because I’m coming." This feels like he is sending a warning to the two-time defending National League MVP Award winner.
He no doubt has the talent to win the award. The question is, will Ohtani be able to perform at a high level for the third straight season in the National League? If New York gets to the playoffs this season, Soto is going to have to carry the lineup on his back.
A playoff appearance for the Mets this season would no doubt help his MVP case in the National League. The only way that Ohtani may not win the MVP this year is if he is injured for a portion of the 2026 season.