In the world of Major League Baseball, the MVP Award is often seen as the pinnacle of individual achievement, a recognition reserved for the game’s very best. However, some of the most dominant players of the modern era are shockingly still waiting to claim their first MVP trophy. Here are 10 stars who have long been deserving but have yet to earn that coveted honor.

1. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)
It’s hard to believe that Mike Trout, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, has never won an MVP in consecutive seasons. While he has earned three MVP Awards, his elite production year after year—especially in the face of the Angels’ lack of postseason success—has led many to argue that he’s been snubbed on multiple occasions. The 2025 season could be his chance to claim a fourth MVP and cement his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

2. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Betts is already a World Series champion, Gold Glove winner, and perennial All-Star, yet his MVP resume remains incomplete. Despite finishing as a runner-up multiple times and consistently ranking among the top players in the league, he’s yet to win the award since his 2018 season with the Boston Red Sox. Given his all-around excellence, Betts could easily walk away with the MVP at any point.

3. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Freddie Freeman’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. A consistent offensive force and a brilliant defender at first base, Freeman has often finished near the top of the MVP race, including a close second-place finish in 2021. After leading the Dodgers to a potential playoff run in 2025, Freeman’s time to win his first MVP might finally arrive.

 4. José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)
José Ramírez has been the cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians’ offense for years. A dynamic hitter and base runner, Ramírez has consistently put up MVP-caliber numbers but has often been overshadowed by other candidates in more high-profile markets. With his combination of power, speed, and defense, Ramírez remains one of the most underappreciated stars in baseball.

 5. Juan Soto (San Diego Padres)
After making a name for himself with the Washington Nationals, Soto has established himself as one of the best hitters in the league. Despite his extraordinary plate discipline and power, Soto has yet to win an MVP. With his potential to put up historic numbers in 2025, Soto could very well take home his first MVP Award if he continues his dominant play.

6. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
After hitting a historic 62 home runs in 2022, Aaron Judge secured his first MVP Award, but many feel that he could have won the honor in previous seasons. His incredible power, combined with a strong on-base ability, makes Judge one of the most feared hitters in baseball. If he stays healthy and delivers another monster season, it’s hard to imagine Judge not winning at least one more MVP before his career is over.

 7. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres)
Tatis’ career has been full of highs and lows, but his talent is undeniable. After missing significant time due to injuries and suspension, Tatis is back and ready to prove that he’s one of the top players in baseball. His combination of power, speed, and flair for the dramatic makes him a perennial MVP contender—if he can stay healthy and maintain consistency.

8. Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals)
Arenado is widely considered one of the best third basemen in the game today, excelling both with the glove and with the bat. While he’s won multiple Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers, he’s never captured the MVP Award. As a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense, Arenado is a constant threat to lead the league in several key categories, and if he puts together another monster year, the MVP could finally be his.

9. Corey Seager (Texas Rangers)
Seager’s move to the Texas Rangers has reinvigorated his career, and he’s proven to be one of the most consistent hitters in the league. With his power and clutch hitting ability, Seager is capable of putting up MVP-worthy numbers, and after a strong 2024 season, he could be poised to claim the award in 2025.

10. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
Vlad Jr. took the league by storm in 2021, finishing second in the MVP voting after a historic season at the plate. While he has continued to put up impressive numbers, he hasn’t quite reached the level of consistency required to win the MVP. However, given his raw talent and potential for explosive seasons, Guerrero Jr. remains one of the most likely candidates to claim his first MVP in the near future.

Conclusion
Each of these players has the talent and track record to be crowned an MVP, yet they remain without the ultimate individual accolade. Whether through unlucky timing, fierce competition, or simply not having their best seasons during voting years, these stars continue to play at an elite level and could soon be in line to receive the recognition they deserve. With the 2025 season ahead, there’s no shortage of MVP-worthy performances on the horizon.