The rest of the National League may still be chasing history, but right now, history belongs to Shohei Ohtani.

In the latest National League MVP poll, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar once again sits comfortably atop the field, reinforcing what has increasingly become the defining storyline of the 2026 season: baseball’s most extraordinary player is marching toward yet another Most Valuable Player award. According to MLB.com’s second MVP survey, Ohtani collected an overwhelming 158 voting points and 30 first-place votes, putting significant distance between himself and every other challenger in the National League.

If the season ended today, the race would hardly be a race at all.

For years, baseball has searched for the next player capable of redefining greatness. Ohtani has gone beyond that. He has created an entirely new standard.

The two-way phenomenon entered 2026 with four MVP trophies already on his résumé and three consecutive MVP victories. Yet somehow, his latest campaign may be among the most impressive of them all. While many stars eventually decline under the pressure of expectations, Ohtani appears to be accelerating.

What separates him from the rest of the field is not simply production.

It’s domination from two different worlds.

On the mound, Ohtani has been virtually untouchable. Through the first portion of the season, he owns a microscopic ERA while continuing to strike out hitters at an elite rate. His pitching performance alone would place him among the National League’s most valuable players. But Ohtani isn’t merely a frontline ace.

He’s also one of baseball’s most feared hitters.

Since returning from a brief offensive reset in May, Ohtani’s bat has erupted. His recent stretch at the plate has reminded everyone why opposing managers continue to treat every at-bat like a crisis situation. Whether he’s launching home runs into the night sky, driving balls into the gaps, or simply finding ways to get on base, the Dodgers’ superstar has become the engine behind one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups.

The numbers are staggering.

The impact is even greater.

Just this week, Ohtani delivered another statement performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, collecting extra-base hits, driving in runs, and extending an impressive on-base streak that has become one of the hottest stretches in the majors. Every game seems to produce another highlight, another reminder that baseball is witnessing something few generations ever get to see.

And perhaps the most intimidating reality for the rest of the National League is that Ohtani may still have room to improve.

While challengers continue to emerge, none have managed to seriously threaten his position.

Washington Nationals star James Wood ranks second in the latest poll, while Arizona Diamondbacks standout Corbin Carroll sits third. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber remains firmly in the conversation as well. All three are enjoying tremendous seasons and would likely receive far more MVP attention in a year not occupied by Ohtani.

But that is the problem.

Every MVP candidate must compete not only against Ohtani’s offensive numbers but also against his pitching dominance.

That combination creates an almost impossible standard.

When Ohtani takes the mound, he performs like a Cy Young contender. When he steps into the batter’s box, he performs like a Silver Slugger favorite. The cumulative value generated by that unique skill set continues to overwhelm traditional MVP discussions. Voters are not evaluating a hitter. They are not evaluating a pitcher.

They are evaluating both in one roster spot.

That reality explains why industry experts increasingly view the award as Ohtani’s to lose. Multiple MVP trackers, analysts, and prediction models continue placing him comfortably ahead of the competition as the season approaches its midpoint.

For the Dodgers, the implications extend beyond individual accolades.

Ohtani’s dominance is fueling another championship pursuit.

Los Angeles has remained among baseball’s elite clubs, and much of that success starts with its generational superstar. Whether he’s carrying the offense, shutting down opposing lineups, or simply creating moments that electrify stadiums across the country, Ohtani remains the face of the franchise and arguably the face of the sport itself.

Now, with the second MVP poll confirming what many around baseball already suspected, the conversation is beginning to shift.

The question may no longer be whether Ohtani will win another MVP.

The question may be whether anyone can stop him from turning this season into yet another historic chapter of a career that already defies comparison.

As summer approaches and the pennant races intensify, challengers will continue to push forward.

But for now, the National League MVP race has a familiar look.

Shohei Ohtani is in first place.

And everyone else is fighting for second.