Shohei Ohtani has spent the better part of the last decade bending MVP races to his will. When he’s healthy, the conversation often feels predetermined. But heading into the 2026 National League season, there’s a growing sense that the door is open for another superstar to seize the accolade.
In the event Ohanti gets hurt or has an offseason, suddenly, the MVP race becomes what it’s supposed to be: a battle of dominance, durability, leadership, and moments that define a season. These three players aren’t just statistical marvels—they’re franchise cornerstones capable of shaping the entire NL landscape in 2026.
1. Ronald Acuña Jr. – Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. remains the gold standard for modern superstardom.
When healthy, Acuña does everything—hits for power, steals bases at will, plays premium outfield defense, and sets the tone for one of baseball’s most consistently dominant teams. His game is loud, relentless, and impossible to ignore.
What makes Acuña especially dangerous in the 2026 MVP race is that his peak hasn’t disappeared—it’s just waiting for a full season. The Braves will once again be in the thick of the playoff hunt, and voters historically reward elite players who anchor elite teams.
Acuña doesn’t need narrative help. If he flirts with another 40–40 caliber season, leads the league in runs, and reminds everyone why pitchers fear leadoff hitters again, the MVP conversation may start—and end—with him.
2. Juan Soto – New York Mets
If MVPs were handed out for controlling the strike zone, Juan Soto would already have a shelf full of them.
By 2026, Soto’s case will become impossible to ignore. He’s entering his prime years with an offensive profile built for MVP voting: elite on-base percentage, massive power, and a patient approach that exhausts pitchers and reshapes games.
What elevates Soto into true MVP territory is context. As the centerpiece of the Mets’ lineup, his performance will be directly tied to team success. If New York contends—or wins the NL East—Soto will be the face of that push.
Voters love transformative stars, and Soto has that ability. A season featuring 45-plus home runs, a .420 OBP, and league-leading run production would make him not just an MVP candidate, but the MVP favorite in a post-Ohtani vacuum.
3. Corbin Carroll – Arizona Diamondbacks
Every MVP race needs a player who feels like the future arriving early. Corbin Carroll is that player.
Carroll’s value goes far beyond the box score. His speed changes defensive alignments, his instincts turn singles into doubles, and his glove quietly saves runs in key moments. By 2026, he could be the unquestioned leader of a Diamondbacks team built around athleticism and pressure.
What makes Carroll’s MVP case compelling is how dynamic his impact feels. He doesn’t wait for three-run homers—he manufactures chaos. If Arizona stays relevant in the playoff picture, Carroll’s blend of power, speed, and defensive excellence will resonate with voters looking for complete players.
A 30-homer, 50-steal season from a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder? That’s not just MVP-worthy—it’s headline-grabbing.
The Last Word
The 2026 NL MVP race won’t be about novelty or reputation. It will be about who defines the season—who shows up every night, lifts a contender, and delivers when the league is watching.
If Shohei Ohtani leaves even the smallest opening, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Corbin Carroll are ready to take control of the National League.
And by October, one of them will have turned opportunity into legacy