As the 2025 MLB season heads towards the All-Star Game, Just Baseball evaluates the midseason awards including MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year. The assessment showcases standout performers up to this point, with Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge emerging as the leading candidates for the MVP honors in their respective leagues.
Ohtani isn’t just a top-notch hitter; he leads the National League in home runs, runs scored, OPS, and combined fWAR, positioning himself as a formidable force. On the pitching side, Paul Skenes is making waves, leading the NL in ERA, while Tarik Skubal holds a commendable fourth place in the American League’s ERA standings. These pitchers contribute significantly to the competitive essence of the Cy Young races, which have turned out to be remarkably close, spotlighting both veteran talents and promising newcomers.
In the Rookie of the Year race, Jacob Wilson stands out among American League rookies with the best batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS, while emerging players like Drake Baldwin are also beginning to gain recognition. Meanwhile, although Ohtani and Judge dominate discussions for the MVP title, other talents such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cal Raleigh are not far behind, making the competition intense.
The upcoming All-Star Game is expected to provide further clarity on player performances, particularly as they transition into the second half of the season. Factors like sustained excellence or potential dips in performance may significantly reshape the award races. This dynamic environment suggests that competition for postseason accolades will remain fierce, as shifts in momentum are entirely possible.
The narrative highlighted by these midseason awards not only underscores the current dominance of Ohtani and Judge but also emphasizes the potential for up-and-coming talent to disrupt expectations in the coming months. As games continue to unfold, the MLB awards landscape will remain fluid, with each performance bearing implications for the final results. The excitement of the game continues to build, promising an exhilarating second half of the season filled with surprises and thrilling performances.