The 2025 MLB Rookie of the Year Awards brought a fresh wave of newcomers who didn’t just meet the hype—they smashed right through it. The season was packed with standout performances, with Oakland Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz taking over the American League and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin making his mark in the National League.
From power hitters to crafty arms, this year’s rookies have started something that could echo through the league for a long time. It’s honestly a little wild to watch.
American League: Nick Kurtz’s Power Surge Defines the Season
In the AL, the race was over before it really began. Nick Kurtz, the Oakland Athletics’ first baseman, put together a rookie season that had even the old-timers raising their eyebrows.
He played just 101 games but still smashed 36 home runs, drove in 86 RBIs, and finished with an OPS north of 1.000. That mix of raw power and patience at the plate? It earned him a unanimous vote—a rare thing for Rookie of the Year.
Jacob Wilson and Roman Anthony Offer Glimpses of Future AL Stardom
Kurtz wasn’t alone in making noise. Oakland shortstop Jacob Wilson showed off his bat control and knack for hitting for average, giving the lineup a steady boost. Early on, Wilson looked like he might keep pace, but by the end, Kurtz’s numbers just towered over the rest.
Boston’s Roman Anthony had his moments too, flashing a polished approach at the plate. His advanced hitting gave fans something to look forward to, but he didn’t see enough playing time to really get into the mix. The AL’s got a lot of young hitters ready to break out soon, though—there’s no denying that.
National League: Baldwin’s All-Around Impact Secures the Crown
In the NL, Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin grabbed 21 of 30 first-place votes by delivering on both sides of the ball. Baldwin hit .274 with 19 home runs and an .810 OPS—pretty impressive, especially for a rookie catcher.
His 126 OPS+ is the third-best by a rookie catcher since 2010, behind only Buster Posey and Adley Rutschman. Behind the dish, Baldwin worked well with Atlanta’s pitchers and brought a steady hand to a tough position all year.
Cade Horton’s Arm and Caleb Durbin’s Consistency Keep the NL Competitive
Chicago Cubs righty Cade Horton finished second, thanks to his cool, efficient pitching. Horton’s 2.67 ERA over 118 innings showed he could shut down hitters, and his 11–4 record speaks for itself.
He gave the Cubs a reliable arm at the top of their rotation, and honestly, it feels like he’s just getting started.
Over in Milwaukee, Caleb Durbin chipped in as the Brewers put up the league’s best record. The infielder was steady and versatile, even if he didn’t have the power or eye-popping stats to really challenge Baldwin. Still, his ability to fill in wherever needed helped Milwaukee keep rolling.
A Ceremony to Remember
Fans tuned in on November 10, 2025, as MLB Network revealed the winners live. The show wasn’t just about handing out trophies—it was a nod to a rookie class that some experts are already calling the most promising in years.
With Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin now on the list of Rookie of the Year winners, you have to wonder where they’ll go from here. History says the future’s bright.
The Potential for Future Dominance
With stars like Kurtz and Baldwin leading the charge, the 2025 rookie class might end up as a true turning point for the league. Their success signals a shift toward a youth movement that mixes old-school strengths—power hitting, strong pitching—with modern, analytics-driven player development.
For fans, the biggest takeaway? The next decade could belong to players who burst onto the scene in 2025 with unforgettable debuts.
Maybe they’ll follow in the footsteps of legends, or maybe they’ll chart their own course. Either way, baseball’s future looks pretty exciting.
- Nick Kurtz – 36 HR, 86 RBI, >1.000 OPS in 101 games
- Jacob Wilson – Elite bat control, high average
- Roman Anthony – Polished hitting, limited sample size
- Drake Baldwin – .274 BA, 19 HR, .810 OPS, 126 OPS+
- Cade Horton – 2.67 ERA, 11–4 record, 118 IP
- Caleb Durbin – Key role in Brewers’ best NL record
The 2025 Rookie of the Year Awards didn’t just crown two winners. They introduced a generation of players ready to leave their mark on Major League Baseball.
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Here is the source article for this story: MLB Awards: How to watch AL, NL Rookie of the Year announcements
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