As we reach the quarter point of the 2025 MLB season, there’s already plenty of drama unfolding. Believe it or not, two teams have made managerial changes, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves at the bottom of the American League with a troubling run differential, and on the flip side, the Seattle Mariners have transformed into one of baseball’s most potent offenses. Oh, and the Colorado Rockies? They’re trending towards a staggering 26 wins. Yes, you read that right.
With all 30 teams having played at least 42 games at this point, it’s the ideal moment to dive into the major awards races. We’ll hand out some early accolades, assessing both the frontrunners and the contenders. Some selections are clear-cut—like, have you seen Aaron Judge lately?—while others come with a saturation of talent that makes narrowing it down a real challenge. Though we know things will shift as summer approaches, it’s important to take stock of the individual performances that are defining this season so far.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff:
American League Awards
MVP: Aaron Judge, RF, New York Yankees
Judge’s offensive prowess is becoming the stuff of legend. Over the Yankees’ first 43 games, he’s putting up numbers that are jaw-dropping: a .412 batting average, .497 on-base percentage, and a slash line that features 15 homers and 41 ribbies. He’s on track to eclipse 50 home runs for the third time in four years and may even challenge for 150 runs scored and driven in. With an exceptional strikeout rate of just 21.5% and a mind-boggling slugging percentage of .782, it’s fair to argue he’s having one of the best offensive seasons of the modern era. Can Judge maintain this historic level? While history suggests it’s a tall order, his recent track record gives us every reason to believe he’ll remain at the top.
Honorable mentions: Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Alex Bregman (Boston Red Sox).
Cy Young Award: Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
The competitive fire in the American League is palpable, with several aces competing for the top spot. However, Hunter Brown has emerged as a frontrunner, building on his impressive late-season performance from 2024. This 26-year-old righty has been a force on the mound, ranking third in the AL with a stunning 1.48 ERA and leading the league in FIP at 1.85. With a stellar 32% strikeout rate and a minimal walk rate of 7.7%, Brown is not just pitching; he’s dominating and consistently logging deep innings. If he can keep this form up, he’ll be tough to beat.
Honorable mentions: Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers), Max Fried (Yankees), Nathan Eovaldi (Texas Rangers), Garrett Crochet (Red Sox), Kris Bubic (Royals).
Rookie of the Year: Jacob Wilson, SS, Athletics
Drafted sixth overall in 2023, Jacob Wilson is now making waves as the Athletics’ starting shortstop. After a solid debut in 2024, he’s stepped it up to a whole new level in 2025, showing incredible bat-to-ball skills akin to Luis Arraez—only with the second-lowest strikeout rate in the league. Although he lacks power, Wilson’s ability to consistently hit the ball effectively positions him among the league’s best. His emergence is a delightful bright spot for an A’s team that has managed to stay competitive.
Honorable mentions: Shane Smith (White Sox), Kristian Campbell (Red Sox), Trey Sweeney (Tigers), Jasson Dominguez (Yankees), Tomoyuki Sugano (Orioles).
Comeback Player of the Year: Javier Báez, CF, Detroit Tigers
It’s hard to believe that the Javier Báez we’re seeing this season is the same player who struggled mightily over the past three years in Detroit. After a disheartening stretch, he seems to have found both his swing and his joy for the game. Playing center field with impressive defensive skill, he’s rediscovered his rhythm at the plate, boasting a respectable .309/.346/.496 slash line. Báez’s combination of talent and excitement is not just a boost for the Tigers but a win for baseball lovers everywhere.
Honorable mentions: Liam Hendriks (Red Sox), Tyler Mahle (Rangers).
National League Awards
MVP: Corbin Carroll, RF, Arizona Diamondbacks
Selecting an MVP in the National League is no easy feat, given the plethora of qualified candidates. However, Corbin Carroll currently stands out. After a rocky start last year, he has embraced a powerful hitting approach, significantly increasing his fly ball rate and demonstrating an impressive slugging percentage. With his newfound ability to lift the ball, Carroll is taking his game to new heights and is poised to fend off challenges from a talented field.
Honorable mentions: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Pete Alonso (Mets), Geraldo Perdomo (Diamondbacks), Freddie Freeman (Dodgers).
Cy Young Award: Zack Wheeler, Phillies
While not exactly a sleeper pick, Zack Wheeler’s track record still feels underrated given his dominance on the mound since joining the Phillies. Leading the NL in innings and ranking among the best in strikeout and WHIP metrics, Wheeler’s consistency is admirable. It appears 2025 could finally be the year he clinches the Cy Young Award, as his skills make him a reliable bet to keep this momentum going.
Honorable mentions: Jesús Luzardo (Phillies), Logan Webb (Giants), Michael King (Padres), Hunter Greene (Reds), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers), Kodai Senga (Mets), Paul Skenes (Pirates).
Rookie of the Year: AJ Smith-Shawver, SP, Atlanta Braves
After experiencing some ups and downs early in his major league career, AJ Smith-Shawver has truly turned things around since being recalled to the Braves’ rotation. His command has improved, leading to a string of solid starts, including a near no-hitter. With each start, he’s proving to be a key piece in anchoring a strong Braves rotation.
Honorable mentions: Drake Baldwin (Braves), Luisangel Acuña (Mets), Agustín Ramírez (Marlins), Chad Patrick (Brewers), Ben Casparius (Dodgers), Tim Tawa (Diamondbacks).
Comeback Player of the Year: Jesús Luzardo, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Health issues have plagued Jesús Luzardo throughout his career, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance when on the mound. After a disappointing previous season, he’s rebounded in 2025 with a stellar performance for the Phillies, boasting an impressive 2.00 ERA. If he can maintain his health, Luzardo is well on his way to becoming one of the more compelling stories of the season.
With the season’s first quarter behind us, it’s thrilling to think about how the rest of the campaign will unfold. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to make their case for postseason honors in what promises to be an exciting summer of baseball!
