Padres Star Predicted to Win 2025 MVP Over Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto

As the Major League Baseball season heats up, all eyes are on the National League’s elite talent, with one name at the forefront of the MVP race: Fernando Tatis Jr.. Despite fierce competition from the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, experts are predicting that Tatis Jr. will emerge as the 2025 MVP, marking his long-awaited return to the spotlight after a tumultuous few years.

Fernando Tatis Jr.: A Comeback Story for the Ages

The San Diego Padres have been making headlines with their stacked lineup, but it’s Tatis Jr., with his undeniable raw talent and explosive potential, who is being tipped for an MVP season. According to MLB.com insider Anthony Castrovince, Tatis is primed to shine in 2025 after a challenging journey that has included a PED scandal and injury setbacks. “When Tatis returned from his suspension in 2023, he did so in a new position, moving from shortstop to right field. His athleticism has allowed him to excel in the new role, accumulating the most outs above average in right field (11) in the two seasons since,” Castrovince wrote.

Not only has Tatis demonstrated his versatility in the field, but at the plate, he’s made significant improvements. After debuting at just 20 years old, Tatis has refined his approach, cutting down on his strikeouts while maintaining one of the highest hard-hit percentages in MLB. The 26-year-old is poised to take his game to the next level, and the 2025 season could very well be his breakout year.

A Rising Star With Unmatched Talent

Tatis has always been a player with star power, captivating fans with his athleticism and highlight-reel moments. Whether it’s leaping into the air to avoid a tag or sprinting across the infield with breathtaking speed, Tatis brings a level of excitement to the game that few can match. His ability to create cinematic moments on the field is part of what makes him such a captivating figure in MLB. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Tatis’ raw talent is undeniable, and with another year of growth, he’s set to return to MVP-caliber form.

But will he stay healthy? That’s the big question. Tatis’ health struggles have been well-documented, and his injuries—particularly a stress reaction in his femur and quadriceps tightness—have raised doubts about his ability to consistently perform at a high level. While Tatis showed promise during the 2024 season, including a strong finish with a .520 slugging percentage in his last 70 regular-season games, there’s still skepticism about whether he can stay injury-free for an entire season.

Why Tatis Could Be the 2025 MVP

Even with his injury concerns, Tatis’ talent has been enough to make him a top contender for 2025 MVP. As Castrovince points out, Tatis’ slugging numbers down the stretch in 2024 were impressive, and he proved himself in the postseason with a 11-for-26 performance and seven extra-base hits. The potential is clearly there, and at 26, he’s entering what could be the peak of his career.

Moreover, Tatis’ offensive firepower is something that can rival even the most established stars in the game, including Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. With his ability to hit for power, make solid contact, and take advantage of his speed, Tatis is a one-man highlight reel, capable of shifting the momentum of a game with a single swing or sprint. His natural abilities have always set him apart, and after making adjustments to his swing and decision-making, he appears to be ready to take his game to even greater heights.

Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto: Stiff Competition for the MVP Crown

The 2025 MVP race will undoubtedly feature fierce competition. Shohei Ohtani, after one of the most historic seasons in baseball history, is expected to remain a contender, especially with his unique ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate. Meanwhile, Juan Soto, one of the most consistent hitters in baseball, will also be a force to reckon with. However, the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. may have the edge thanks to his youth, upside, and the continued potential for growth.

While Ohtani’s performance is unmatched in terms of two-way greatness, his health and the ongoing rebuilding of the Los Angeles Angels may hinder his chances of capturing another MVP award. Similarly, while Soto is a perennial MVP candidate, his inability to lead the Padres to a championship could impact his overall candidacy in 2025. This leaves the door open for Tatis, whose upside—when healthy—may be even higher than both of these superstars.

A Gamble on Raw Talent or a Surefire MVP?

Choosing Tatis Jr. as the 2025 MVP is not without its risks. The 2022 PED scandal that shook his career is still fresh in the minds of many fans and analysts, and although he has apologized and moved forward, the damage to his reputation took a toll. Can Tatis overcome the mental and physical challenges that have hampered him in the past? Will he stay healthy long enough to put up MVP numbers for an entire season?

That remains to be seen, but Tatis’ magnetism on and off the field is hard to deny. His potential is sky-high, and if he can stay healthy and continue to refine his game, there’s no reason why he couldn’t claim the 2025 MVP over more established stars like Ohtani and Soto.

The Bottom Line: A Star in the Making

In the grand scheme of things, Fernando Tatis Jr. is a player who can completely change the landscape of Major League Baseball. His combination of athleticism, power, and on-field charisma make him a future MVP candidate, and the 2025 season could be the year he finally breaks through. While there are concerns about his consistency and durability, the raw talent is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and continue his development, Tatis will undoubtedly be in the conversation for 2025 MVP, and could even emerge as the front-runner in what promises to be one of the most exciting MVP races in recent memory.

As we look ahead, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s potential is undeniable, and the 2025 season could finally be his moment to shine.