2025 MLB awards predictions: Early favorites for MVP, Cy Young
You know that feeling when baseball’s just heating up and everyone’s already arguing over who’s taking home the big awards? Yeah, it’s that time. The 2025 MLB season is just starting to unfold, but a few names are already making serious noise in the awards conversation.
Aaron Judge – New York Yankees, Outfielder
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Aaron Judge is delivering a historic season, leading MLB with a .412 batting average, 12 home runs, and 34 RBIs. His OPS stands at 1.275, showcasing dominance at the plate. Judge is also on pace for his first batting title, making a third MVP award a strong possibility.
Pete Alonso – New York Mets, First Baseman
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Pete Alonso is off to a scorching start, hitting .341 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. His OPS of 1.123 ranks among the NL’s best. A significant drop in strikeouts has improved his overall plate approach, helping the Mets stay competitive in a crowded NL East race.
Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres, Outfielder
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Fernando Tatis Jr. is back in elite form, batting .317 with eight home runs and seven steals. He leads NL outfielders in outs above average and ranks among the league’s best in every slash-line category. His all-around impact has fueled San Diego’s early success in the West.
Garrett Crochet – Boston Red Sox, Starting Pitcher
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Garrett Crochet leads qualified AL pitchers in innings (49) and ranks among the top in ERA (2.02) and strikeouts (56). With a WHIP of 1.06, he’s anchoring Boston’s rotation. This is a breakout season for Crochet, who transitioned from bullpen work to a full-time starter in 2024.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Los Angeles Dodgers, Starting Pitcher
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Yoshinobu Yamamoto has taken MLB by storm with a 0.90 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 40 innings. His elite splitter has neutralized hitters from both sides. After dominating in Japan’s NPB, he now leads qualified NL pitchers in ERA and continues to impress with his pinpoint control.
Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates, Starting Pitcher
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Paul Skenes has a 3-4 record, but that doesn’t reflect how dominant he’s been. His 2.77 ERA and 0.95 WHIP are outstanding for a rookie. Opposing hitters are batting just .190 against him, and his walk rate is among the lowest in MLB. He’s a clear Cy Young candidate.
Kristian Campbell – Boston Red Sox, Second Baseman
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Kristian Campbell is proving himself as Boston’s everyday second baseman, hitting .288 with four homers and a .857 OPS. He leads AL rookies in WAR and walks, and his 16% walk rate shows advanced plate discipline. Drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2023, he’s thriving in a high-pressure role.
Roki Sasaki – Los Angeles Dodgers, Starting Pitcher
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Roki Sasaki has a 3.86 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 30.1 innings in his debut MLB season. The 23-year-old phenom from Japan has flashed dominance, despite early inconsistency. His fastball regularly touches 100 mph, and his splitter generates a high whiff rate. There’s real upside as he adjusts.
Hunter Brown – Houston Astros, Starting Pitcher
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Hunter Brown has a 5-1 record with a 1.67 ERA and 49 strikeouts across 43 innings. He also leads AL pitchers in fWAR, highlighting his value. Opponents are hitting just .189 against him. With a dominant four-seamer and improved command, he’s become the ace Houston desperately needed.
Jacob Wilson – Oakland Athletics, Shortstop
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Jacob Wilson is showing elite contact skills in his rookie campaign, hitting .337 with 17 RBIs and a .485 slugging percentage. The 2023 No. 6 overall pick out of Grand Canyon University has impressed with his poise at the plate and his smooth defense at shortstop. He’s a cornerstone player.
Max Fried – New York Yankees, Starting Pitcher
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Max Fried has delivered a 6-0 record and an MLB-best 1.01 ERA over 44.2 innings. Traded to the Yankees in December 2024, he’s stabilized a rotation in flux. The left-hander also has a WHIP of 0.94 and a 0.6 HR/9 rate, making him one of the league’s most efficient arms.
Tarik Skubal – Detroit Tigers, Starting Pitcher
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Tarik Skubal is building on his 2024 success with a 3-2 record, 2.21 ERA, and 48 strikeouts through 40.2 innings. He’s kept his WHIP under 1.00 and ranks among AL leaders in fWAR. A breakout star in 2024, he’s emerging as a legitimate ace in the Tigers’ long-term plans.
Dylan Crews – Washington Nationals, Outfielder
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Dylan Crews is still adjusting to major league pitching, but the 2023 No. 2 overall pick is showcasing his raw tools. A former LSU standout and Golden Spikes Award winner, he’s known for his bat speed and power potential. He’s also holding his own defensively in center field.
Roman Anthony – Boston Red Sox, Outfielder
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Roman Anthony, ranked No. 1 on Baseball America’s Top 100 in May 2025, is hitting over .300 in Triple-A with elite OBP skills. Known for his mature approach and high contact rate, Anthony may get the call soon. His performance suggests he could slot into Boston’s outfield by summer.
Jordan Lawlar – Arizona Diamondbacks, Shortstop
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Jordan Lawlar is batting .354 with six homers and 30 RBIs at Triple-A Reno. His elite bat speed and athleticism are backed by a .427 on-base percentage. A top-10 prospect for two years running, he’s nearly ready for everyday MLB action and could debut before the All-Star break.