Nick Castellanos says that Jose Iglesias deserved to win NL MVP over Shohei Ohtani

Nick Castellanos has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, but his recent take on the 2024 National League MVP race has ignited a firestorm.

The Phillies outfielder argued that Jose Iglesias, not Shohei Ohtani, should have taken home the award, citing Iglesias’ pivotal role in the New York Mets’ resurgence from an abysmal 22-32 start to legitimate playoff contention.

For Castellanos, the criteria for MVP are simple: team impact. “What Iglesias did for the Mets this year was incredible…he completely turned that team around. Without him, they’re not even sniffing the playoffs. Isn’t that what being ‘valuable’ is all about?”

Nick Castellanos says that Jose Iglesias deserved to win NL MVP over Shohei Ohtani

Nick Castellanos says that Jose Iglesias deserved to win NL MVP over Shohei Ohtani

“If you’re looking at the MVP as having the most weight on creating wins for your team, there’s no other player that has had that much weight as Jose Iglesias” pic.twitter.com/vifn4Btx5Z

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 13, 2025

“If you’re looking at the MVP as having the most weight on creating wins for your team, there’s no other player that has had that much weight as Jose Iglesias”

The Case for Iglesias

Let’s be clear—I absolutely hate the New York Mets and any player that decides to play for that poverty organization. I also despise Shohei Ohtani and how Major League Baseball, the FBI, and Rob Manfred specifically rolled over and allowed him to put all blame on his interpreter to wipe that whole gambling scandal under the rug.

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At the same time, Nick Castellanos has a point.

Jose Iglesias was phenomenal in 2024. He hit .318 with an .850 OPS while playing stellar defense at shortstop. Iglesias became the heartbeat of the Mets, stabilizing a clubhouse that seemed destined for another underwhelming season. His late-game heroics, clutch hits, and consistency sparked the Mets’ transformation into playoff contenders.

Without Iglesias, it’s fair to wonder if the Mets would have even made it out of June alive.

Castellanos’ argument resonates with those who believe the MVP should go to a player whose contributions are integral to their team’s success. And let’s be honest, the Mets’ turnaround was one of the more dramatic storylines of the year.

The Case for Ohtani

Then there’s Shohei Ohtani, whose season wasn’t just historic—it was otherworldly. Ohtani hit 54 home runs, drove in 130 RBIs, and posted a 1.050 OPS. He’s not just a generational talent—he’s a once-in-a-century player redefining what’s possible in baseball. The only reason Ohtani wasn’t the MVP unanimously is because, well, baseball fans love a good argument.

The Debate Reignited

Castellanos’ comments have reopened a long-standing debate about what the MVP award really means. Should it go to the best individual player, regardless of team success? Or should it prioritize players whose contributions directly lead to winning baseball games? Baseball purists and modern analysts have been clashing over this for decades.

The truth is, both perspectives have merit. Ohtani’s unprecedented 2024 campaign makes him an undeniable choice for many voters. On the other hand, Iglesias’ impact on the Mets embodies the kind of intangible value that isn’t always captured in stat sheets.

The Real Issue: MVP Criteria

Castellanos’ remarks highlight a deeper issue: the lack of clarity in MVP criteria. Until MLB defines what “Most Valuable” actually means, debates like this will continue. And maybe that’s a good thing—after all, baseball thrives on its debates, and nothing gets people talking like a good MVP snub argument.

Whether you’re Team Ohtani or Team Iglesias, one thing’s for sure: both players gave us plenty to talk about in 2024. And if nothing else, Castellanos just made the 2025 MVP race all the more intriguing. Let the debates rage on.

Full Interview: Who Nick Castellanos Picked For MVP | Chris Rose Rotation

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