Thank you for that lovely introduction. You’re a fantastic crowd, and it’s a thrill to be here to present the annual baseball awards you’ve been eagerly anticipating. Each year, I look forward to sharing my insights through this column, and I know you look forward to disagreeing with my choices just as much. This year’s baseball awards ceremony is once again going to be special.
This year’s AL MVP goes to none other than Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. As I ponder this decision, a voice in my head screams: "You’re not picking Cal Raleigh?!" Yet, despite the impressive 60 homers and leading his team to its first division title in 24 years, I ultimately had to give my vote to Judge. The Yankees star is not just a home run hitter; he is having a staggering season that should not be overlooked.
Judge is poised to lead the league in several key categories, including batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and runs scored. If he claims the MVP award, he will join a select group of players who have led their league in these categories since the award's inception in 1931. The names include legends like Ted Williams and Barry Bonds.
What sets Judge apart this season is not just his impressive statistics but the significant gap between him and the next best hitters in the league. His on-base percentage (OBP) leads by 63 points, slugging percentage by 83 points, and OPS by a staggering 177 points. This dominance makes him a clear favorite for the MVP award.
Moreover, Judge's Adjusted OPS+ has consistently exceeded 200 over the last four seasons, showcasing his exceptional talent. A 200 OPS+ signifies that a player’s OPS is twice as good as the league average. Judge is currently rocking a 210 OPS+ this season, further solidifying his place in history.
Here’s how I rank my AL MVP candidates:
Aaron Judge Cal Raleigh Bobby Witt Jr. José Ramírez Tarik Skubal Julio Rodríguez George Springer Garrett Crochet Jeremy Peña Nick KurtzAs for the NL MVP, I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. While I cannot reveal my official vote yet, I can share that I’ve spent considerable time evaluating the candidates. Kyle Schwarber’s 56 home runs represent a significant contribution to the Phillies, while Juan Soto’s combination of power, speed, and patience is reminiscent of Barry Bonds.
Additionally, we cannot overlook Shohei Ohtani, who continues to redefine excellence in baseball. Leading the league in multiple categories, including OPS and total bases, Ohtani’s contributions as a two-way player are unmatched. His 54 homers and pitching prowess only add to his remarkable season.
This year, the title of AL Least Valuable Player goes to Javier Báez of the Tigers. Once a celebrated player, Báez’s performance has taken a nosedive, particularly in the second half of the season. His post-All-Star Game statistics reflect a troubling .205 batting average, which has left fans and analysts alike bewildered.
Despite being an All-Star starter, Báez has struggled mightily, ranking dead last in several key offensive categories. His performance has been so poor that it has overshadowed any previous successes he may have had this season. The Tigers' dismal performance as a team only amplifies the impact of his struggles.
This season, the NL LVP award goes to a trio of Braves players: Michael Harris II, Marcell Ozuna, and Ozzie Albies. Each player had moments of promise but fell short of expectations, contributing to the Braves' disappointing season.
Harris struggled offensively in the first half, while Ozuna had a notable decline after a strong start. Albies, once a fan favorite, also failed to deliver consistent performance. Their collective underachievement has made them the poster boys for the Braves’ struggles this season.
For the AL Cy Young award, I’m selecting Tarik Skubal from the Tigers. His season has been nothing short of spectacular, and he has managed to rise above the chaos surrounding the Tigers’ overall performance. Skubal has consistently dominated hitters, leading the league in several statistical categories.
In the National League, Paul Skenes of the Pirates is my choice for the NL Cy Young award. Despite not having a winning record, Skenes has maintained an impressive ERA and strikeout rate, showcasing his talent amidst a struggling team. His ability to perform at such a high level, even without the support of his team, makes him a standout candidate.
In the American League, Nick Kurtz of the Athletics is my Rookie of the Year. With an OPS of 1.010, Kurtz has had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory. His power-hitting ability, coupled with high on-base metrics, has made him a standout player.
Meanwhile, in the National League, I’m selecting Drake Baldwin of the Braves as my NL Rookie of the Year. Baldwin’s combination of batting average and power puts him in elite company among rookie catchers. His performance this season has not only been impressive but historically significant.
This year’s Manager of the Year award in the National League goes to Pat Murphy of the Brewers. His leadership has transformed the team from a rocky start to becoming a top contender. As for the American League, I’m still awaiting the conclusion of the season before making my final decision. The race is tight, and numerous candidates are making strong cases for this prestigious award.
As we wrap up this annual awards extravaganza, it’s clear that the 2025 season has been filled with memorable performances, both good and bad. I look forward to seeing how these awards play out as the season comes to a close.
