Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers have been recognized for their extraordinary performances in the 2025 season by winning the prestigious Hank Aaron Awards for the American and National Leagues, respectively. These awards celebrate the season’s best offensive players, honoring the legacy of the legendary hitter Hank Aaron.
Judge, in his age-33 season, continued to display remarkable prowess at the plate, achieving an impressive .331 batting average, a .457 on-base percentage, and a .688 slugging percentage. He blasted 53 home runs and drove in 114 runs, leading the American League with 124 walks. His remarkable stats positioned him at the top of multiple categories, including bWAR with 9.7 and OPS+ with 215, highlighting his dominance in the league.
This award marks Judge’s third consecutive Hank Aaron Award, following his historic 2024 season where he set a record with 58 home runs and maintained a formidable .322 batting average. Judge also showcased his talents during the Yankees’ postseason, where he boasted a remarkable batting average of .500 in their playoff run against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ohtani, who returned to pitching after a brief hiatus, also made headlines with his lights-out performance. He achieved a career-high of 55 home runs, just shy of leading the National League in that category, and scored a staggering 146 runs—an MLB season high. Ohtani’s offensive numbers were complemented by his pitching skills, where he recorded a 2.87 ERA over 47 innings with 62 strikeouts, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ successful campaign.
This achievement marks Ohtani’s third consecutive Hank Aaron Award, a feat matched only by Alex Rodriguez in the award’s history. Both players have elevated the game to new heights, demonstrating not only exceptional skill but also the potential to leave a lasting legacy comparable to that of greats like Aaron.
Their achievements in the 2025 season underscore a promising future for both players as they continue to perform at an elite level, inspiring fans and aspiring players alike. Their journeys serve as a testament to the excitement and potential that Major League Baseball holds for the seasons to come.