NBA Hall of Famer and 11-time All-Star Charles Barkley recently voiced a surprising opinion on the Shohei Ohtani NL MVP debate, predicting that the Los Angeles Dodgers star will not secure the National League MVP award for the 2025 season. Instead, Barkley confidently suggested that Kyle Schwarber will emerge as the MVP winner. This bold forecast was made during Barkley’s appearance on MLB Network, where he emphasized his support for Schwarber in the ongoing MVP competition.
Statistical Comparison Between Ohtani and Schwarber
Shohei Ohtani has impressed this season with a bWAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 5.8, significantly outpacing Kyle Schwarber’s 3.9. Both players lead the National League with 43 home runs each, while Schwarber holds an advantage in run production, boasting 102 RBIs compared to Ohtani’s 80.
Despite Schwarber’s RBI lead, Ohtani dominates in other key performance areas. Ohtani has recorded 20 more hits than Schwarber, despite having played two fewer games, and has stolen seven more bases. Additionally, Ohtani’s pitching capabilities remain a standout factor, with an ERA of 3.47 across nine starts during the season.
Offensive and Advanced Metrics Highlight Ohtani’s Edge
Offensively, Ohtani posts a slash line of .283/.391/.622 and an OPS of 1.014, leading the National League in both slugging percentage and OPS. He also tops all of Major League Baseball with 118 runs scored. Schwarber’s offensive numbers are strong but fall short when compared directly, as he hits .248/.371/.574 with a .945 OPS.
In advanced metrics, Ohtani maintains a slight advantage. His barrel percentage is 22.7%, ranking second in MLB, while Schwarber’s is 20.3%, placing him third in the majors. Schwarber excels in hard-hit rate, leading the league with 60.6%, with Ohtani close behind at 58%. Weighted on-base average (wOBA) also favors Ohtani, who sits at .418, slightly ahead of Schwarber’s .399.
Barkley’s Unexpected Endorsement of Schwarber
Despite the statistical edge favoring Ohtani, Barkley expressed strong belief in Schwarber’s potential to claim the NL MVP award. In his recent remarks, Barkley declared,
“I think my boy Kyle Schwarber is going to steal the National League MVP,”
showing enthusiasm for Schwarber’s candidacy. Barkley’s voice adds a unique perspective from beyond baseball, reflecting his cross-sport knowledge and flair for bold predictions.
Context on Barkley’s Sports Insight and Legacy
Known for his talent on the basketball court, including winning NBA MVP in the 1992-93 season over legends like Michael Jordan, Barkley has become one of the most prominent analysts in sports broadcasting. His engagement with MLB topics highlights his broad expertise and willingness to weigh in on major storylines across leagues. This unexpected support for Kyle Schwarber contrasts with the general consensus but injects fresh intrigue into the MVP race.
Recent Developments in Dodgers and MLB Highlights
While the Shohei Ohtani NL MVP debate unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make headlines with other roster updates and game results. Notably, the Dodgers’ Will Smith is sidelined for two upcoming games against the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, Padres star Manny Machado recently declined media comments after his team was swept by the Dodgers, underscoring high stakes in the National League standings this season.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the NL MVP Race
The distinction between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber remains narrow in some advanced metrics but wide in overall contributions, especially considering Ohtani’s dual role as a pitcher and hitter. Barkley’s surprising endorsement of Schwarber adds unexpected drama to the MVP discussion, potentially influencing fan and analyst perspectives as the season progresses. How voters will weigh these performances remains to be seen, but Ohtani’s dominance appears difficult to overlook in the final reckoning.