As the 2025 MLB season progresses, Shohei Ohtani’s hold on the MVP race is facing an intense challenge from Kyle Schwarber, who is rapidly rising as a leading contender. Schwarber’s explosive offensive performance has shifted the dynamic of the Shohei Ohtani MVP season race, creating one of the most competitive battles for baseball’s top individual honor.
Initially dominating the MVP conversation with his record-breaking homers and exceptional plate discipline, Ohtani seemed set to secure the award early in the season. However, Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies has dramatically altered the narrative by posting remarkable numbers, including 40 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .975 OPS as of early August.
Kyle Schwarber’s Emergence as a Legitimate MVP Contender
Kyle Schwarber’s 2025 campaign is marked by a significant evolution in his playing style. At 32, Schwarber has refined his approach: reducing strikeouts, increasing walks, and addressing weaknesses against left-handed pitching. This comprehensive improvement has transformed him from a one-dimensional power hitter into a more versatile and dangerous offensive weapon, capable of carrying his team in high-pressure moments.
Schwarber’s achievements in home runs and RBIs currently lead the National League, underscoring his impact not only in statistics but also in the Phillies’ postseason hopes. His clutch performances, including two crucial home runs in recent games with two outs, highlight his capacity to perform under pressure, directly contrasting with Ohtani’s previously uncontested dominance.
Former MLB player and analyst Xavier Scruggs commented on Schwarber’s performance, saying,
“This is the best year he’s put together in his whole career,”
and added,
“In a walk year, this man is about to get super paid.”
Power Numbers Fueling a Three-Man Home Run Duel
The race for the 60-home run milestone has become a central storyline in 2025, extending beyond Ohtani to include Kyle Schwarber and Cal Raleigh of the Detroit Tigers. Raleigh currently leads with 42 home runs, while Schwarber’s recent power surge places him close behind at 40, and Ohtani follows with 38.
Cal Raleigh represents a quiet but potent force, consistently hitting home runs without much fanfare. His pursuit of 60 homers places him in historically elite company alongside legends such as Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and Barry Bonds. While Schwarber and Ohtani attract most attention, Raleigh’s steady production is a critical factor in this tightly contested power race.
Schwarber’s ability to deliver in high-stakes situations exemplifies his rising status. Unlike Ohtani, whose dual-threat role as pitcher and hitter has made him baseball’s most captivating figure, Schwarber’s focused offensive consistency renders him an MVP contender who could upset expectations.
Implications for MVP Voters and the Season’s Final Stretch
The narrowing gap between these players means that MVP voters are now confronted with a challenging decision: whether to reward the established superstar in Shohei Ohtani or to back Schwarber’s unexpectedly dominant and clutch performance this season. The final weeks of 2025 will not only determine playoff seeding but may also decide the fate of the prestigious MVP trophy.
Shohei Ohtani remains a captivating presence on the field, combining pitching prowess with extraordinary hitting. Yet Kyle Schwarber’s surge proves that the MVP race is more open than ever, with his production playing a critical role in Philadelphia’s postseason ambitions. Meanwhile, Cal Raleigh’s steady climb toward historic territory injects further intrigue into the power race, representing a wild card factor that adds to the suspense.
This intense competition elevates the stakes in 2025 and ensures that fans and analysts alike remain captivated by the ever-shifting dynamics of Major League Baseball’s premier individual accolade.