Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Voted MLB's Best Player in Player Survey; Witt, Judge in Top 3

Ahead of the start of the MLB season, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was named the best player in the majors by his peers.

MLB.com polled more than 100 players on a handful of topics, one of which being about who the best player is heading into the year. Unsurprisingly, Ohtani took the crown.

Coming in second behind Ohtani was Kansas City Royals young star Bobby Witt Jr., followed by reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, Dodgers veteran Mookie Betts and Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager.

Ohtani's being named the best player in the majors comes after one of the most impressive seasons in MLB history. In his first season with the Dodgers, Ohtani collected 54 home runs, 130 RBI and a .310 batting average on his way to a third MVP trophy. He also stole 59 bases, becoming the first player ever to record 50 or more home runs and stolen bases.

Los Angeles also expects Ohtani to be back on the mound in 2025 after being unable to pitch last season, making him even more of a threat to opposing teams.

Witt, who is just 24 years old, is coming off a career season in which he piled up 32 home runs, 109 RBI and a .332 batting average while stealing 31 bases. The shortstop is just as good on the defensive side, making him one of the most well-rounded players in the majors.

Like Ohtani, Judge has been regarded as one of the best players in the majors for several years now. He only added to his case in 2024 when he hit 58 homers, 144 RBI and a .322 batting average as he led the Yankees to the World Series.

Betts missed significant time last year because of a fractured hand but still finished with recorded 19 home runs, 16 steals and a .289 batting average. He was also back in time to help lead Los Angeles to a World Series victory over New York.

Seager, the 2023 World Series MVP, had another outstanding campaign last season with 30 home runs, 74 RBI and a .278 batting average in 123 games. He'll look to continued his sustained success in his 11th MLB campaign.

While the players listed in the top five are sure to be among the best again in 2025, others like Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez and New York Mets new star Juan Soto will be looking to establish themselves as the best in the majors this year.