Kyle Schwarber sits firmly in second place on the NL MVP odds board, trailing Shohei Ohtani at +1900 to Ohtani’s -50,000, per Fox Sports. But even if Ohtani appears set to win yet another MVP, Schwarber is delivering a season that’s hard to ignore.
Power, Production, and Value
Schwarber blasted 53 home runs and drove in 129 runs over 581 plate appearances this season, leading the National League in RBIs and ranking second in solo shots. His .926 OPS sits among the NL’s top six hitters, anchoring Philly’s offense while staying tied for second in home runs across baseball this season.
Big Moments, Big Impact
Schwarber doesn’t just rack up counting stats—he delivers when it counts. He homered in Philly’s division-clinching extra-innings win over the Dodgers, tying a game plan that disrupted LA’s pitching strategy. He also tied the MLB mark for most lefty-on-lefty homers and later crushed four homers in a single game against Atlanta. That kind of production drifts into trophy territory.
That performance helped Philly lock up the NL East and secure a first-round bye. It’s one thing to hit homers—another to do it at the moment that shapes October.
The Case vs. Ohtani & Others
Ohtani’s edge as a two-way player—hitting and pitching—is massive. But Schwarber has a more traditional case: elite run production, a top NL home run count, and clutch plays against contenders. Voters often reward context and playoff tilt—both areas where Schwarber checks boxes.
Still, he trails Ohtani in the public odds. Traditional voters may dismiss DHs, but Schwarber’s numbers and impact earn a serious look—even if he’s still a long shot.
Why It Still Matters
Schwarber isn’t the splashiest MVP candidate—but he’s consistent, impactful, and defined by production. In an NL race loaded with stars, his combination of homers, RBIs, and win-defining at-bats puts him in rare air. Throw in team success—a division title and playoff positioning secured—and it makes sense why he took over the No. 2 odds spot behind Ohtani.
Schwarber might not win MVP, but he’s built a case deeper than just stats: he’s helped shape Philadelphia’s October path. For a franchise chasing its next title, that matters just as much.