Shohei Ohtani remains the frontrunner for the 2026 National League Most Valuable Player award, according to market data from Kalshi as of March 30.
The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player holds a 46 percent chance to win, making him a heavier favorite than American League leader Aaron Judge.
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However, Ohtani exited Tuesday night's game against the Colorado Rockies early after being struck on his right pitching hand by an 85.2 mph changeup.
The incident occurred during a four-run fourth inning.
Although Ohtani initially stayed in the game, Dalton Rushing pinch-hit for him in the fifth inning, according to mlb.
com.
The Dodgers did not immediately announce an official reason for his removal. Ohtani had been scheduled to start as the pitcher in Wednesday's series finale.
Ohtani's Dominant Season
Entering this stretch, Ohtani has posted a 0.73 ERA over 49 innings on the mound.
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He also ranks in the top 12 among National League hitters in runs created, offensive winning percentage, and OPS+, according to espn.
com.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has entered the MVP conversation, climbing to third on a Bleacher Report list, as reported by si.
com.
Schwarber finished second behind Ohtani in last year's voting and is on pace for a historic home run season.
Behind Ohtani, New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto is the closest challenger with a 13 percent chance to win, followed by Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. at 9 percent and San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. at 6 percent, according to Kalshi data reported by si.
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