It’s Shohei Ohtani’s world, and we’re all just living in it!
It’s no surprise that Ohtani sits atop the MLB Player of 2025 list, but what’s really turning heads is the name right beneath him. The 2025 MLB season is in full swing, with firepower from the Yankees’ home run hitters and Rafael Devers striking out opponents with precision. But there’s one name that stands out.
Who is it?
According to MLB analysts, Bobby Witt Jr. has secured the second spot on the list. The 24-year-old shortstop has continued to evolve, and his home run rate is turning heads. Not only has he elevated his batting average from .254 to .332, but his defensive metrics have also been stellar, earning him a Gold Glove award.
But what exactly makes him the second-best player in MLB for 2025?
Bobby Witt Jr. may not be like Shohei Ohtani, considering the skills of a two-way player he has. However, that cannot justify the mettle Witts Jr. has, given that he has focused more on being an effective baserunner. He would like to make 50 steals in a single season. In addition to the stolen bases, some 35 more home runs could do wonders for him, as analyzed by MLB expert Bradford Doolittle. Witts Jr. may even post. 300/.400/.500 slash lines this season would be enough for him to retain the second spot on the list.
Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. had a terrific 2024 season as well, where he had 636 AB, posted 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs at an average of .332, .389 OBP, and .977 OPS. Entering the age-25 season, he would like to make his presence count by increasing his strikeout ability, posting more home runs, and increasing his walk rate, too. That would make his MVP resume appear much better for the future, too.
Making it to the list is itself a proud moment for every player. However, what makes Shohei Ohtani special is that he has his name at the top everywhere.
Shohei Ohtani makes it to the top of the list, as usual
It’s not at all a surprise to find the Dodgers’ superstar, Shohei Ohtani, making it to the top of the list. Rather, it remains a question if a player of his mettle can make it to the top. According to MLB analyst Alden Gonzalez, “Somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 innings pitched — some really good, some not so much — and another spectacular season offensively but with about half the steals. Also, a top-three MVP finish — his fifth in a row. ” It’s the fifth time Shohei Ohtani has made it to the list, and that’s something to feel proud of for any player. His record speaks for itself: 636 AB, 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 SB, a .310 average, a .390 OBP, and a 1.036 OPS.
Shohei Ohtani, despite not pitching and batting together, makes a strong hold. But how? Well, after his rehab in 2024, owing to an elbow surgery, Ohtani has focused more on stealing bases. And the result-we all know—was 50/50 in a single season and being awarded the MVP for the third time in his four years. Not only has he scored the most home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has also helped the team win the World Series title for the first time since 1988.
That’s a long way back, isn’t it?
Absolutely, but just like the Dodgers, we all expect to see Ohtani carrying out his dual play yet again.
Going by the MVP list, do you think the players justify the ranks they have been put into? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Not Aaron Judge or Juan Soto, This Player Ranked 2nd Best MLB Player of 2025 after Shohei Ohtani by Analyst appeared first on EssentiallySports.