Well, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have dominated the MVP narrative in recent years! No denying that! They’re not just stars—they’re eras unto themselves. And the expectation of these two clinching the title is there this year, too! But MLB insider Ken Rosenthal thinks otherwise.
His recent prediction for the 2025 MVP will likely beat all odds.
So, no Juan Soto, Ohtani, Judge, but the 26-year-old infielder of the Padres took the MLB podium here. How?
In the 2024 regular baseball season, Tatis had a .276 batting average with 21 doubles, 21 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 64 runs scored in 102 games. Sounds impressive, right? Then wait till you get to know his current status.
Tatis is roaring into 2025 like a man on a mission. .344 BA already and .417 OBP reflect that Tatis isn’t just raking—he’s dismantling pitchers with a swing that looks sharper than ever. He’s found his fire again, and it’s sending shockwaves through the NL West. This isn’t bounce-back energy—it’s MVP–caliber vengeance.
Well, Ohtani and Judge might be the heavyweights, but Tatis is forcing himself into the MVP conversation with every at-bat, every sprint, and every laser throw from right field. Over Ohtani and Judge, Tatis is doing it all—hitting for average and power, stealing bases, playing Gold Glove defense in the outfield, and leading a team with playoff dreams.
Tatis is off to an electric start in 2025, and it’s fair to say we might be watching the most complete version of him yet. Why? He took a slash line of .349/.424/.663 in Tuesday’s game against the Tigers. Currently, he is standing with a WAR of 1.9 (2nd in MLB, just behind Aaron Judge’s 2.0). Tatis’ performance this season crowned him the NL Player of the Week last week. That sums up how he is performing this year. Ahh, and those clutch moments!
Remember the game between the Padres and Astros on 20th April? That smooth sliding catch in right field by Tatis, followed by an impressive attempt to throw out the runner at first base, was second to none. This is what makes Tatis a leaderunner in the 2025 MVP race!
And the man is also making his team post some good numbers this year, so far.
This MLB season, the Padres are off to a flying start
The Padres haven’t just started strong in 2025—they’ve stormed out of the gate. A 17-8 record, including a dominant 12-1 at Petco Park, has them tied for the best start in franchise history. Only twice before have the Padres opened this hot: In 1984, and again in 1998—the latter led by the incomparable Tony Gwynn, en route to their last World Series appearance.
Back then, the Yankees stood in the way. Now? It feels like the Padres might get over the 1998 loss! This time, it’s No. 23, Fernando Tatis Jr., who’s writing the story.
With every swing, every diving play, every stare-down from right field, Tatis is channeling greatness.
Just before this season, the club was marred with ownership issues, superstars leaving the clubhouse, and dwindling payrolls. Who would have thought the Padres would lead the NL West? They made it possible because they’re different, they’re loud, they’re flashy, and they want more than nostalgia.
Yes, Tatis is performing exceptionally, but the 2025 Padres are not only about him. Names like Luis Arraez and Robert Suarez are also making their mark. Suarez has been dominant out of the bullpen, leading the majors with 10 saves and maintaining a perfect save record without allowing a run in 11 appearances. These players, among others, have been pivotal in the Padres’ strong start to the season. Their contributions across various facets of the game are making the fans dream about ending their 1998 curse.
With Fernando Tatis Jr. at full health and playing out of his mind, this version of the Padres is young, dynamic, and dripping with swagger in MLB. The energy is different, but so is the belief. This team expects to win.
It’s high time that the Padres go beyond what they did in 1998. While that was the gold standard, 2025 might be the time when they finally raise the banner. A glittering ring will not look bad on Tatis! So, would you like to take a bet in favor of the Padres for this baseball season? See you in the comments section!
The post Move Over Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, This $340M Star Will Win 2025 MLB MVP Award, Claims Insider in Bold Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.