ESPN’s July Awards Watch pits Shohei Ohtani as the clear National League MVP favorite, riding a 157.9 AXE score that blends elite hitting and pitching. The Dodgers star sits atop the list, followed by Cubs rookie Pete Crow‑Armstrong (151.1) and Marlins outfielder Otto Lopez (132.0). Ohtani’s dual‑role dominance keeps him within five WAR in both categories, a feat no player has matched if healthy.

In the American League, Bobby Witt Jr. leads with a 142.2 AXE, but his rally rests on defensive value rather than eye‑popping offense. Royals’ decline leaves his MVP bid vulnerable, especially after a recent knee issue. Junior Caminero’s home‑run surge moved him into the top ten, yet his overall value remains capped by subpar defense and could spark a playoff push for Kansas City.

On the mound, Cam Schlittler of the Yankees tops the Cy Young leaderboard with a 136.9 AXE, followed by White Sox right‑hander Davis Martin and Guardians prospect Parker Messick. Schlittler’s strikeout rate and low walk percentage give him a comfortable edge, though a late‑season injury could reshuffle the race. For now, he remains the AL’s pitching standard.