Here’s a bold statement: Juan Soto’s incredible season wasn’t enough to snag the National League MVP title, but his third-place finish is still a testament to his undeniable talent. And this is the part most people miss: while Shohei Ohtani’s unanimous MVP win—his second straight in the National League and fourth overall—dominated headlines, Soto’s performance quietly solidified his status as one of baseball’s elite players. But here’s where it gets controversial: does WAR truly measure MVP worth? Let’s dive in.
Mets right fielder Juan Soto delivered a standout season, slashing .263/.396/.525 at the plate while setting career highs with 43 home runs and 38 stolen bases. His 5.8 fWAR and 6.2 bWAR were impressive, earning him a well-deserved Silver Slugger Award. This marks the third time Soto has finished in the top three of MVP voting, though the top spot remains elusive. For context, his fWAR ranked seventh among National League position players, trailing Ohtani’s 7.5, while his bWAR placed him third, behind Geraldo Perdomo’s 7.0 and Ohtani’s 6.6.
But here’s the twist: WAR didn’t seem to be the deciding factor in MVP voting this year. Take Kyle Schwarber, for example, who finished second despite a lower WAR. His .240/.365/.563 line, 56 home runs, and 152 wRC+ as the Phillies’ designated hitter clearly resonated with voters. This raises a thought-provoking question: Should MVP awards prioritize traditional stats, advanced metrics, or a blend of both? Soto’s case highlights the complexity of valuing all-around contributions versus sheer offensive dominance.
For beginners, WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is a metric that quantifies a player’s total value compared to a replacement-level player. While it’s a powerful tool, it’s not the only measure of greatness. Soto’s ability to get on base, hit for power, and steal bases makes him a well-rounded threat, even if his WAR didn’t top the charts. Meanwhile, Ohtani’s two-way prowess as a pitcher and hitter continues to set him apart, though some argue his pitching should be evaluated separately.
Here’s a controversial take: Could Soto’s lack of an MVP win so far be a result of voters undervaluing his consistency and versatility? Or is Ohtani’s dominance simply too hard to ignore? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Soto’s third-place finish isn’t a loss—it’s a reminder that his best may still be yet to come.