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Midseason MLB Awards: A Look at the Stars of 2025
As the baseball season hits its halfway mark, fans gear up for the Home Run Derby and All-Star festivities. This is the perfect time to reflect on the first half of the season and recognize standout performances with awards that celebrate excellence on and off the field.
American League MVP: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
In the battle for the American League MVP, Aaron Judge has once again proven to be an indomitable force, solidifying his status with jaw-dropping statistics. With a remarkable .360/.468/.737 batting line, he’s projected for 60 home runs, 146 runs, and 136 RBIs this year. These figures are not just impressive; they place him in elite company, with few players historically reaching such heights in the first half of the season.
Although Cal Raleigh’s spectacular progress as a catcher and his impressive 36 home runs deserve acknowledgment, Judge’s season shines brighter. The numbers speak for themselves—the Yankees captain is on track for one of the most prolific offensive seasons ever, making it difficult for anyone not to regard him as the MVP.
AL MVP Top Five:
- Aaron Judge
- Cal Raleigh
- Tarik Skubal
- Jeremy Peña
- Bobby Witt Jr.
National League MVP: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani’s name has become synonymous with excellence in baseball, and this season is no exception. Despite the risk of "MVP Fatigue," Ohtani’s performance continues to shine, pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible from a two-way player. With projections for a .300 batting average, 54 home runs, and 21 steals, he does it all, making him an irreplaceable asset for the Dodgers.
Comparisons with Pete Crow-Armstrong may arise, but Ohtani’s remarkable stats clearly outshine his contemporaries. His contributions on both sides of the ball are exceptional, distinguishing him as the top candidate for the NL MVP.
NL MVP Top Five:
- Shohei Ohtani
- Pete Crow-Armstrong
- Kyle Tucker
- Zack Wheeler
- James Wood
AL LVP: Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
As the season progresses, Luis Robert Jr.’s struggles have become painfully evident. His inability to produce at the plate—hitting just .185—has raised questions about his value to the team. He has struggled across various metrics, including an alarming number of strikeouts, making him a front-runner for the Least Valuable Player award.
AL LVP Bottom Three:
- Luis Robert Jr.
- Adolis García
- Anthony Rendon
NL LVP: Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves
Michael Harris II, once celebrated as the Rookie of the Year, has fallen significantly short of expectations this season. His statistics portray a stark contrast to his previous success, highlighting a .232 OBP and an alarming lack of walks. Such a decline in performance places him front and center in the discussion for this year’s NL LVP award.
NL LVP Bottom Three:
- Michael Harris II
- Ozzie Albies
- Bryan Reynolds
AL Cy Young: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Tarik Skubal is making waves once again, leading the American League with dominant statistics. He boasts a 1.62 ERA, a strikeout rate of 138, and an opponent batting average below .200. His ability to command the game and his exceptional performance make him the standout choice for the AL Cy Young Award.
AL Cy Young Top Five:
- Tarik Skubal
- Hunter Brown
- Max Fried
- Jacob deGrom
- Garrett Crochet
NL Cy Young: Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies
In the National League, Zack Wheeler has emerged as a top contender, leading the league in WHIP and strikeouts. His remarkable ability to maintain low ERA numbers in high-pressure games distinguishes him from his peers. A close battle with Paul Skenes makes the fight for this award intriguing, but Wheeler’s consistent performance in pivotal moments might just give him the edge.
NL Cy Young Top Five:
- Zack Wheeler
- Paul Skenes
- Logan Webb
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Andrew Abbott
AL Cy Yuk: Walker Buehler, Boston Red Sox
Disappointment reigns for Walker Buehler this season, as his performance has been subpar, highlighted by a 6.12 ERA. Such statistics have led him to the Cy Yuk award, signifying a year everyone hopes will improve after regrouping.
AL Cy Yuk Bottom Three:
- Walker Buehler
- Luis Severino
- Bailey Ober
NL Cy Yuk: Antonio Senzatela, Colorado Rockies
Antonio Senzatela has struggled immensely on the mound, recording the highest opponent batting average in nearly a century. His inefficiency has positioned him as a leading candidate for the NL Cy Yuk award, a stark contrast to the potential he once showcased.
NL Cy Yuk Bottom Three:
- Antonio Senzatela
- Germán Márquez
- Jordan Romano
AL Rookie of the Half-Year: Jacob Wilson, Oakland Athletics
Jacob Wilson has burst onto the scene, hitting .330 with a historic strikeout rate. His performance resonates with the achievements of legendary rookies, making him a figure to watch for future accolades.
AL Rookie of the Year Top Five:
- Jacob Wilson
- Carlos Narváez
- Cam Smith
- Nick Kurtz
- Jasson Domínguez
NL Rookie of the Half-Year: Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves
Drake Baldwin is making significant strides this season with a 133 OPS+, ranking him alongside notable rookie catchers in history. His performance and leadership behind the plate could signal a bright future.
NL Rookie of the Year Top Five:
- Drake Baldwin
- Agustín Ramírez
- Jacob Misiorowski
- Chad Patrick
- Caleb Durbin
Managers of the Half-Year: A.J. Hinch and Craig Counsell
Recognizing the transformative leadership of A.J. Hinch and Craig Counsell, both have significantly improved their teams’ playoff odds, showcasing their managerial prowess. With the immense growth of the Tigers and Cubs, both managers deserve recognition.
Conclusion
The midseason reflection serves as a reminder of the incredible talent present in the league. With standout performances shaping narratives, it is clear that the second half of the season will be an exciting and pivotal time for all teams involved.
As fans and analysts, we look forward to seeing how these candidates evolve and who ultimately secures these prestigious awards come season’s end.