Juan Soto has publicly declared his intent to compete fiercely against Shohei Ohtani for the National League MVP award in the upcoming season. Following his move to the New York Mets, Soto is determined to claim the MVP, targeting Ohtani’s impressive streak of victories.
After signing a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract, Soto transitioned from the American League with the Washington Nationals and Yankees to the Mets in December 2024. His first season in New York was met with mixed results, as he faced challenges adjusting and the team endured a rollercoaster year.
Challenges and Highlights of Soto’s 2025 Season in New York
The 2025 season began unevenly for Soto, who struggled to find his rhythm early with the Mets. Throughout the year, both his performance and the team’s fortunes fluctuated noticeably. Despite his individual efforts, Soto was left off the All-Star roster, a decision that surprised many baseball followers.
The Mets, based in Queens, had held the best league record midway through the season but suffered a sharp decline, culminating in a must-win final game scenario. They ultimately lost 4-0 to the Miami Marlins, missing the postseason despite a lineup that included star players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.
On the personal front, Soto achieved a career milestone by hitting 43 home runs, paired with a .263 batting average. He finished third in the NL MVP voting, trailing only Kyle Schwarber and Shohei Ohtani.
Soto’s Determined Pursuit of an MVP Title
Although Soto’s long-term legacy is expected to secure him a spot in the Hall of Fame, he has explicitly stated that he aims to do so with an MVP trophy in hand. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the 27-year-old player directly challenged Ohtani to maintain his level of play because Soto plans to be a constant contender.
“I’m going to be there every year, too. So he (Shohei Ohtani) better keep doing what he’s doing, because I’m coming.”
Juan Soto said regarding the NL MVP race
Ohtani’s Established Dominance and MLB Predictions Favoring Soto
Shohei Ohtani enters the new season as a three-time consecutive MVP winner, holding four total awards, a prestigious achievement matched only by Barry Bonds. Yet, early season projections from MLB.com surprisingly favor Soto over Ohtani for the 2026 National League MVP.
In those initial predictions, other awards included Yoshinobu Yamamoto as the NL Cy Young Award winner, JJ Wetherholt as Rookie of the Year, Mason Miller as Reliever of the Year, and Don Kelly as Manager of the Year. Despite Ohtani’s recent dominance, MLB did not foresee a fourth straight MVP but instead endorsed Soto for this top honor.
https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH’s predictions for 2026 NL award winners!What are your early predictions? https://t.co/3ZOyUjge0k pic.twitter.com/1IOUCs8ndh
— MLB (@MLB)
Mixed Public Reactions to Soto’s Bold MVP Challenge
Juan Soto’s confidence in publicly declaring his challenge to Ohtani ignited intense reactions from fans on social media platforms such as X. Some supported his ambition, while many others responded with sarcasm or skepticism, doubting his ability to surpass Ohtani.
Several fans questioned whether Soto might try pitching like Ohtani, a unique two-way player, while others suggested he focus more on team achievements, particularly winning the World Series. A few comments even joked about the Mets’ management and spending habits as obstacles to success.
Juan just focus on you and your team talk to your owner tell him to spend more !!!
— Mario (@bandcamp1818)
😂 can’t wait for this to be a hilarious meme at the end of the year
— ✨GuerreroEnjoyer✨ (@VLDENJ)
He wasn’t even an all-star last year and he’s putting himself in Ohtani conversations 😂
— YesavageIsKing (@ZackTorontofan)
Cool story bro. You gonna start pitching too? pic.twitter.com/P2DJINpG6s
— The Butter Man🏌🏻 (@butterystrokes)
Him and PCA might’ve jinxed themselves. They’re gon have the worst season of their lives. I can see it coming already 😭💀
— Dodgers 💙 (@GlassPolicy_)
You’re coming to a first round exit
— Every Day Sports (@everydayysports)
Good luck with that pic.twitter.com/HGaFwb6XSE
— Jillian (@basketballmygod)
He only cares because of the bonus he has in his contract.
— Loveless (@LovelessEnt)
You have to catch a ball first.
— HitBoxGhost (@Kingsnhl11)
lol he’s not even beating acuña jr.
— C Mac (@mc__40)
Soto’s Previous MVP Performances and Future Prospects
Juan Soto’s strongest showing in the MVP standings came in 2021 when he finished second behind Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies. That year also marked Ohtani’s first MVP award while competing for the Los Angeles Angels in the American League. Soto’s ambitions reflect his desire to surpass those milestones.
As Soto prepares for the upcoming season, he will first participate in the World Baseball Classic, aiming to build momentum for a more successful campaign with the Mets. The 2026 season will be critical for him to prove that his confident statements translate into on-field success and potentially dethrone Ohtani from the NL MVP throne.
Every player that received votes for NL MVP pic.twitter.com/2wFNtPO6pY
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 14, 2025
Juan Soto has his eyes set on beating out Shohei Ohtani to take home his first MVP pic.twitter.com/1yq3gtJEYg
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 24, 2026
Juan just focus on you and your team talk to your owner tell him to spend more !!!
— Mario (@bandcamp1818) February 24, 2026
— JCR II (@J_Ramirez_II) February 24, 2026
😂 can’t wait for this to be a hilarious meme at the end of the year
— ✨GuerreroEnjoyer✨ (@VLDENJ) February 24, 2026
He wasn’t even an all-star last year and he’s putting himself in Ohtani conversations 😂
— YesavageIsKing (@ZackTorontofan) February 24, 2026
https://twitter.com/butterystrokes/status/2026091125380149286
Him and PCA might’ve jinxed themselves. They’re gon have the worst season of their lives. I can see it coming already 😭💀
— Dodgers 💙 (@GlassPolicy_) February 24, 2026
You’re coming to a first round exit
— Every Day Sports (@everydayysports) February 23, 2026
Good luck with that pic.twitter.com/HGaFwb6XSE
— Jillian (@basketballmygod) February 24, 2026
He only cares because of the bonus he has in his contract.
— Loveless (@LovelessEnt) February 24, 2026
You have to catch a ball first.
— HitBoxGhost (@Kingsnhl11) February 24, 2026
lol he’s not even beating acuña jr.
— C Mac (@mc__40) February 24, 2026
https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH's predictions for 2026 NL award winners!
What are your early predictions? https://t.co/3ZOyUjge0k pic.twitter.com/1IOUCs8ndh
— MLB (@MLB) January 3, 2026
