Major League Baseball National League Most Valuable Player – Will Ohtani make it 5 MVPs in 6 years in 2026?

We are going to look over the upcoming MLB World Series that starts in March and create a World Series MVP 2026 prediction. We will cover what the award is, some history, contenders for this season and where you can watch the action as well as the prediction so read on for an overview and some World Series MVP 2026 betting tips.

At the end of the 1931 MLB Season, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) awarded one player from both the American and National League with an award for being the most valuable player to their respective team. This became an annual tradition and it’s now one of the most sought after awards to add to a player’s home trophy shelf.

The majority of winners down the years have been batsmen, with 1st batsmen (somewhat obviously) dominating that statistic. Outfielders have also picked up quite a few alongside pitchers. Barry Bonds with his big homerun hitting power dominated this award, winning 7(!) in the early 2000’s. 21 individual winners have come from the St. Louis Cardinals.

What is the Format?

The National League Most Valuable Player is chosen following a vote of the BBWAA at the conclusion of the regular season. Votes are made before the playoffs start. A ranked choice system is used. Players gain points for their places (1st, 2nd, 3rd), with the one holding the highest total taking the prize.

There are set criteria which includes offensive/defensive value, games played, and character. Each writer can weigh these differently and make their own player picks.

The final results are announced after the World Series is completed.

Who are the MLB World Series players to watch out for?

Let’s look at some of the biggest contenders who will be looking to show they are Baseball’s ultimate player in 2026.

Where to watch the 2026 MLB World Series

There is plenty of choice for those looking to find a 2026 MLB World Series live stream. The MLB has made several TV and live streaming deals for the new season. This includes  Peacock, ESPN, NBC and the subscription streaming service Netflix. The Peacock-exclusive MLB games are to be shown on the newly created BCSN sports cable network.

There are many other ways to follow matches and plenty of radio coverage deals too. Dedicated fans should be able to find all the live action but you may have to use a few different services to be able to see each and every game.

Text commentary is provided via the main MLB site. Some bookmakers also offer live streaming options for users. Always check the terms and conditions to see what you need to do to access live streams on these sites as operators’ rules vary wildly.

Prediction for the 2026 MLB National League MVP

It’s a little bit outfield but I think Juan Soto might finally do enough to claim the NL MVP this season. His consistent performances week in week out for the Mets deserve more recognition and some writers might just place him above Ohtani. Will he do a Soto shuffle at awards night? That image alone seems enough to want him to win it! Besides, there is no real odds value to backing Ohtani again.