Just one MVP away from a legendary career! Soto aims to surpass Shohei Ohtani and prove you don’t need to be a two-way player to be the best.

With MLB spring training underway, Juan Soto, now entering his second season with the Mets, declared today that he is aiming for his first career MVP this season. He knows the biggest obstacle is Shohei Ohtani, and he bluntly said, “He better find a way to maintain his current level, because I’m coming.”

Soto’s highest MVP finish was second place in 2021, when he ranked just behind his former Nationals teammate Bryce Harper in the NL voting, while the AL MVP that year was Shohei Ohtani. Since Ohtani moved to the NL two years ago, he has won the award consecutively, with Soto finishing third both times. Both Soto and Ohtani have contracts guaranteed through 2033, meaning for the next eight years, Soto will have to outplay Ohtani to claim the MVP. Addressing this challenge, Soto said, “I’m in the MVP race every year, so he better keep performing at his current level because I’m closing in.”

Shohei Ohtani has won four MVP awards in his career, including three seasons with at least 14 starts as a pitcher. This year, he is expected to have his first full pitching season with the Dodgers. While Soto can’t contribute as a two-way player like Ohtani, he believes his hitting is undeniable and still has room to grow. “Everyone knows about my ability to draw walks, but I want to keep showing power and maybe raise my batting average a bit. To be one of the greatest players ever, you have to reach that level—that’s what I strive for every year.”