Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers is making a strong case for the 2025 National League MVP race with his remarkable production this season. After overcoming injuries and setbacks in recent years, Yelich has returned to form, delivering impressive numbers both at the plate and on the bases, which strengthens his standing in the competitive MVP discussion.
Yelich’s Return to Power and Consistency
Yelich, who previously won the NL MVP in 2018 thanks to a season featuring 36 home runs, 110 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, and a perfect 1.000 OPS, struggled in subsequent years due to injuries. Despite nearly winning the award again in 2019, a fractured patella sidelined him late in the season. His performance from 2020 to 2022 was inconsistent, hindered further by back issues that led to surgery last season. However, in 2025, Yelich has surpassed the 20-home run benchmark for the first time since 2019 and recently achieved his 25th home run, showing he is closer to his peak level.
Comparing Key Statistics in the MVP Conversation
According to Just Baseball’s data as of August 15, Yelich is one of only four players with a weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 130 or higher, at least 25 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. His line sits at 131 wRC+, 25 homers, and 15 steals, with 86 RBIs and a .825 OPS. The other players in this exclusive group include Shohei Ohtani (174/43/17), Juan Soto (148/30/19), and Jose Ramirez (141/25/35).
While Yelich’s resurgence stands out, Shohei Ohtani’s status as a two-way superstar—with even higher numbers on offense and pitching contributions—makes him a nearly unbeatable frontrunner in the NL MVP race. Still, Yelich’s presence in this elite category underscores his value to Milwaukee’s success this season.
The Significance of Yelich’s Resurgence for Milwaukee
The 2025 season marks a notable comeback for Yelich, who continues to be a vital player for the Brewers. His statistical improvements highlight not only his individual talent but also his importance to the team’s competitive edge throughout the season. As the MVP race unfolds, Yelich’s balanced blend of power and speed offers a compelling narrative, reinforcing why he deserves serious consideration among the league’s top performers.