Mookie Betts, Juan Soto co-favored in 2021 NL MVP odds

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto are co-favorites to win the 2021 National League MVP at odds of +750. Each presents an interesting case for the award, which we’ll dive into below. We’ll also scan the board for any outsiders who have appeal at higher odds.

Betts could make history with MVP win

Betts was the +500 favorite in his first year in the NL, but he had to settle for second behind Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who won his first NL MVP in 2020 despite contracting COVID-19 before the season began. Though Betts beat Freeman in WAR (3.6 to 3.2), Freeman was far superior in batting average (.341 to .292), and OPS (1.102 to .927).

If Betts wins NL MVP, he would become just the second player ever (Hall of Famer Frank Robinson being the first) to win an MVP Award in each league. He won the AL MVP with the Boston Red Sox in 2018.

Betts brings Gold Glove defense to the table as well as Silver Slugger capability at the plate. He truly is the total package and should be involved in the MVP race from start to finish, health provided.

Soto could state case as MLB’s best all-around player in 2021

Soto was a +1000 dark-horse candidate who started his year on the COVID list before going on to lead the majors in OPS (1.151) in 47 games last season. There was a reason he also led the majors in intentional walks in 2020 (12).

It remains to be seen if Soto can keep numbers like those up over the course of a full season, but the sky appears to be the limit for the 22-year-old Dominican native. Soto received plenty of recognition for his achievements last year despite a poor showing by the defending champion Nationals (26-34), finishing fifth in the MVP balloting.

Don’t forget about Fernando Tatis Jr.

He’s not a longshot by any stretch, but sensational San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (+850) has a strong case for NL MVP honors in what would be his first 162-game season in the majors.

Tatis Jr. finished fourth in the MVP race last year after batting .277 with 17 homers and 45 RBI. He also recorded a .937 OPS over 59 games. Tatis Jr. won Silver Slugger honors for 2020, but not a Gold Glove, which was surprising considering his tendency to make highlight plays in the field.

Betts and Soto bring their fair share of star power to the table, but Tatis Jr. might have them both overshadowed, as he was just named the cover athlete for MLB The Show 21. With natural progression, Tatis Jr. could become just the second Padre (Ken Caminiti being the first in 1996) to win NL MVP.