The 2025 MLB awards season is barreling toward its finale, with the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) unveiling its annual honors for the sport’s top performers. All week, fans and analysts have been picking apart the Rookie of the Year, Manager of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP races in both leagues.
This year, the awards come with extra drama. Record-setting performances and some familiar faces have stirred up predictions of historic moments. Let’s take a look at the projected winners and what’s made them stand out in a season that’s felt more competitive than most.
American League MVP: Raleigh’s Historic Season
The AL MVP talk usually circles around stars like Aaron Judge and José RamÃrez. But this season, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has stolen the spotlight.
Raleigh smashed 60 home runs—a jaw-dropping number for any player, let alone a catcher. He set a new standard for offensive production behind the plate, and it’s hard not to be impressed by that kind of firepower.
Why Raleigh Edges Out the Competition
Power-hitting catchers just don’t come around often. Raleigh managed to dominate at the plate while handling a pitching staff, which is a tough balancing act.
He’s redefined what teams can expect from the position, and his season feels like one for the history books.
National League MVP: Ohtani’s Historic Fourth
In the NL MVP race, Shohei Ohtani keeps rewriting the rules. He’s on track for his fourth MVP, and honestly, who’s surprised at this point?
Ohtani’s ability to shine as both a hitter and a pitcher puts him in a league of his own. He’s outperformed heavyweights like Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto, making it almost routine to expect the extraordinary from him.
Ohtani’s Unparalleled Impact
Ohtani changed games from both sides—at the plate and on the mound. It’s rare to see anyone impact outcomes so many different ways, and his fourth MVP feels like proof of just how special he is.
Cy Young Awards: Pitching Excellence Across the Leagues
Pitchers in 2025 have really brought their best stuff. In the AL, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal looks set to win his second straight Cy Young.
He’s posted an elite ERA, racked up strikeouts, and stayed consistent all season. Skubal has simply overpowered hitters, outing after outing.
NL Cy Young Battle
The NL race has been much closer. Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sánchez gets the edge over Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, mostly because he carried a heavy workload and led the Phillies’ rotation to a division title.
Sánchez kept delivering deep starts in big moments, and that’s made the difference for voters.
Rookies Lighting Up the League
This rookie class has been a breath of fresh air. In the AL, Oakland Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz is the pick for Rookie of the Year after an explosive debut that gave the team a real boost.
He’s brought energy to a lineup that sorely needed it, and fans have definitely noticed.
NL Rookie Excellence
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin is the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. He’s posted a 126 OPS+, driven in 80 runs, and handled the challenges of catching in his first big league season.
Baldwin’s poise behind the plate has played a huge part in his case for the award.
Manager and Executive Awards
Managers in 2025 have had their work cut out for them. In the AL, John Schneider took the Toronto Blue Jays from last place to division champs and a World Series run.
Meanwhile, in the NL, Pat Murphy looks set to repeat after guiding a young, low-payroll Milwaukee Brewers team back to the playoffs.
Executive of the Year
Off the field, Brewers executive Matt Arnold is the favorite to repeat as Executive of the Year. He’s kept Milwaukee competitive through smart roster moves and player development, even with tight payroll limits.
All-MLB Honors
This season’s best will get the spotlight with All-MLB distinctions. You’ll see names like Ohtani, Judge, Raleigh, Skubal, and Skenes on that list.
These players didn’t just rack up stats; they shaped the storylines all year. Fans got plenty of moments they’ll be talking about for a long time.
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Awards: Predictions, results on MVP, Cy Young, more
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