Top threats to Elly De La Cruz's MVP odds (not named Shohei Ohtani) are in NL Central

Shohei Ohtani made history last season becoming the first player ever to record 50-plus home runs and 50-plus stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani rightfully took home NL MVP honors, and is easily the odds-on favorite to take home the trophy once again in 2025.

But there's a contingent of players who'll be nipping at Ohtani's heels during the upcoming season. The New York Mets' duo of Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor will undoubtedly receive some MVP love this season if they play up to their potential, but Cincinnati Reds' shortstop Elly De La Cruz cannot be overlooked.

De La Cruz looks fantastic this spring, and if his level of play translates from the Cactus League to the regular season, the Reds' superstar will enter the MVP conversation rather quickly. No one in Major League Baseball possesses the size, speed, and power combination of De La Cruz, and if the Reds' phenom cuts down the strikeouts, he could be the biggest threat to Ohtani repeating as NL MVP in 2025.

Top threats to Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz's MVP odds (not named Shohei Ohtani) are in NL Central

But while Ohtani, Lindor, and Soto represent three of the most likely candidates to steal the MVP Award away from De La Cruz, the Reds' infielder will also face some stiff competition from within his own division.

The NL Central is home to four of the best players in the National League. While the division as a whole is somewhat mocked by the media and other pundits, there is undeniable talent within the NL Central.

Paul Skenes has to be atop the list when it comes most dynamic pitchers in the NL. While pitchers have their own postseason award — the Cy Young — a player with Skenes' ability (and popularity) could enter the MVP conversation. Keep an eye on the Pittburgh Pirates ace this season.

Another rising star in the NL Central is Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. The 20-year-old finished third in the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year voting last year, and many are predicting another stellar season from the Brewers' budding superstar.

Finally, the NL Central's newest addition, Chicago Cubs' outfielder Kyle Tucker, could take the National League by storm in 2025. A longtime member of the Houston Astros, Tucker landed in the Windy City this offseason following a blockbuster trade back in December. Tucker battled injuries last season, but still posted a .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 homers in just 78 games.

There's no denying that Ohtani (especially if he gets back onto the mound) will be the frontrunner for the 2025 NL MVP. But De La Cruz's biggest competition outside of Ohtani likely resides in the NL Central.

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