Two-way MVP Shohei Ohtani Shows Bilingual Flair at Awards Gala

The 101st New York Baseball Writers’ Association of America Gala brought together baseball’s brightest for a night that celebrated both the 2025 MLB season and the sport’s deep roots. From MVPs like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge to rising stars and iconic managers, the event honored excellence from every angle, mixing today’s legends with a nod to tradition.

A Night of Stars at the BBWAA Gala

The annual New York Baseball Writers’ Gala filled the room with baseball royalty. Honestly, it’s still one of the most prestigious offseason gatherings in the sport.

This year’s awards class was loaded. Historic performances, breakout rookies, and stories of leadership all took the spotlight.

Front and center, you had the game’s two most recognizable faces. Their seasons will spark debate and admiration for years to come.

Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge Define MVP Excellence

Shohei Ohtani took home the National League MVP after a jaw-dropping two-way season. He smashed a career-high 55 home runs and posted a 1.014 OPS.

Ohtani also dominated on the mound, putting up a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts. When he delivered his acceptance speech—entirely in English—you could feel the pride in the room as he thanked the writers for recognizing his historic run.

On the American League side, Aaron Judge got the fitting title of “King of New York.” He locked up his third AL MVP by leading MLB in nearly every key offensive stat:

Judge’s season really did cement his place among the game’s all-time great hitters.

Dominant Arms Take Center Stage

Pitchers got their due, too. Two overpowering Cy Young winners made life miserable for hitters all year.

Skubal and Skenes Rule the Mound

Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal repeated as American League Cy Young winner. He somehow topped last year with a 2.21 ERA, a stellar 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts.

Skubal’s become one of the most intimidating arms in the league. Over in the National League, Pirates phenom Paul Skenes took the Cy Young after leading the majors with a 1.97 ERA and striking out an unreal 29.5% of opposing batters.

Dwight Gooden introduced Skenes, which only added to the sense of history. It already felt like a legendary season.

Rookies, Managers, and Meaningful Moments

The gala spotlighted baseball’s future, too. Leadership and breakout performances got their moment.

Breakout Rookies and Steady Leadership

Nick Kurtz grabbed American League Rookie of the Year after blasting 36 home runs and posting a 1.002 OPS in just 117 games.

His wild 6-for-6, eight-RBI game was one for the ages. The National League Rookie of the Year winner took a thoughtful approach, reflecting on the Jackie Robinson Award and what it meant to earn it as an African American player.

Manager of the Year honors went to:

Both managers won for the second year in a row. They credited their teams’ depth, the clubhouse vibe, and just grinding through the season’s ups and downs.

Honoring Baseball’s Legacy Beyond the Field

Additional awards highlighted the gala’s broader celebration of character and community. The night also recognized postseason heroics.

Pete Alonso picked up the Joe DiMaggio “Toast of the Town” Award. Judge took home the Sid Mercer/Dick Young New York Player of the Year honor.

Carlos and Ashley Rodón earned the Joan Payson/Shannon Forde Community Service Award. Yoshinobu Yamamoto grabbed the Babe Ruth Postseason MVP.

 
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