Soto Challenges Ohtani for NL MVP Award

As the New York Mets prepare for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, outfielder Juan Soto has issued a direct challenge to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, declaring his intent to compete for the National League Most Valuable Player award. Soto, entering his second year with the Mets after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract last offseason, emphasized his determination during spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

"I'm going to be there every year, too," Soto said. "So he better keep doing what he's doing, because I'm coming." The 27-year-old added that while Ohtani is exceptionally talented, he plans to find a way to surpass him. Soto acknowledged the difficulty, noting, "He's really good. I've just got to beat him. Definitely, it's not going to be easy, but I've got to find a way to beat him."

Ohtani enters the season as the reigning NL MVP, having won the award unanimously for the second straight year with the Dodgers. The 31-year-old Japanese superstar has secured four MVP honors in his career, split evenly between the American and National Leagues, including three consecutive victories. In 2025, Ohtani hit .282 with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 146 runs...