MLB Awards 2025: Predictions, Favorites, And Dark Horses

The MLB Awards are the pinnacle of individual achievement in baseball, and everyone is already buzzing about the MLB Awards 2025. From the Cy Young to the MVP, these honors celebrate the very best in the game. For fans, predicting who will take home the hardware is part of the fun. Let's dive into some early predictions, potential favorites, and a few dark horse candidates who could surprise us all.

MVP Race 2025

The Most Valuable Player award is arguably the most coveted individual prize in baseball. It recognizes a player’s overall contribution to his team's success, considering both offensive and defensive prowess. Looking ahead to 2025, several established stars and rising talents are poised to make a strong run at the MVP title. The MVP race in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) is expected to be fiercely competitive, with a mix of power hitters, exceptional defenders, and dynamic all-around players vying for the award. One of the frontrunners in the AL could be Juan Soto. Soto's combination of plate discipline, power, and improving defensive skills makes him a perennial MVP candidate. He's got the stats and the highlight-reel plays to capture voters' attention. Also, keep an eye on Yordan Alvarez. If Alvarez stays healthy and continues to mash at the plate, he'll be a serious contender. His raw power is undeniable, and he can carry an offense when he's locked in. On the National League side, Ronald Acuña Jr. is always a threat. His speed, power, and overall athleticism make him a dynamic force on the field. If he can replicate his stellar performance, he'll be tough to beat. And don't forget about Mookie Betts. Betts is a consistent performer who excels in all facets of the game. His leadership and all-around skills make him a valuable asset to any team, and he's always in the MVP conversation. A dark horse candidate in the AL could be Julio Rodriguez. If Rodriguez takes another leap forward in his development, he could surprise some people. His combination of speed, power, and charisma makes him an exciting player to watch. In the NL, keep an eye on Corbin Carroll. Carroll's speed and defensive ability make him a valuable asset, and if he can improve his offensive output, he could be a dark horse MVP candidate.

Cy Young Award 2025

The Cy Young Award honors the best pitchers in baseball, recognizing their dominance on the mound throughout the season. Predicting who will win the Cy Young is always challenging, as pitching performance can be volatile and influenced by numerous factors, including health, supporting cast, and luck. However, several pitchers have already established themselves as top contenders for the 2025 award, and a few under-the-radar arms could emerge as serious candidates. In the American League, Gerrit Cole is always a top contender when healthy. His combination of velocity, movement, and experience makes him a formidable opponent for any hitter. Also, consider Framber Valdez. Valdez's command and control, combined with his devastating curveball, make him a tough matchup for opposing offenses. On the National League side, Spencer Strider is a rising star with electric stuff. His high strikeout rate and ability to dominate hitters make him a Cy Young threat. And don't overlook Zack Wheeler. Wheeler's consistency and ability to pitch deep into games make him a valuable asset to any team, and he's always in the Cy Young conversation. A dark horse candidate in the AL could be Tarik Skubal. If Skubal continues to refine his command and develop his secondary pitches, he could surprise some people. His raw talent is undeniable. In the NL, keep an eye on Eury Perez. Perez's combination of size, velocity, and poise beyond his years makes him an intriguing prospect, and he could quickly emerge as a Cy Young contender.

Rookie of the Year 2025

The Rookie of the Year award celebrates the most outstanding first-year players in each league. Identifying potential Rookie of the Year candidates early on is an exciting exercise, as it allows fans to get a glimpse of the future stars of baseball. Several highly touted prospects are expected to make their MLB debuts in 2025, and a few lesser-known players could also emerge as contenders for the award. In the American League, Jackson Holliday is one of the top prospects in baseball. His advanced hitting skills and baseball IQ make him a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. Also, consider Marcelo Mayer. Mayer's combination of hitting ability and defensive prowess makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. On the National League side, Paul Skenes is a potential impact arm who could quickly rise through the ranks. His combination of size, velocity, and command make him a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. And don't forget about James Wood. Wood's combination of power and athleticism makes him an exciting player to watch. A dark horse candidate in the AL could be Adael Amador. If Amador gets an opportunity to play regularly, his offensive skills could make him a Rookie of the Year contender. In the NL, keep an eye on Pete Crow-Armstrong. Crow-Armstrong's defensive abilities are already highly regarded, and if he can improve his offensive output, he could be a dark horse Rookie of the Year candidate.

Other Key Awards

Beyond the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards, several other honors recognize excellence in specific areas of the game. These awards provide additional opportunities to celebrate outstanding performances and contributions from players and managers across MLB. The Gold Glove Awards recognize the best defensive players at each position in both leagues. These awards celebrate exceptional fielding skills, including range, arm strength, and fielding percentage. Potential candidates often include players known for their highlight-reel catches and ability to prevent runs. The Silver Slugger Awards honor the best offensive players at each position in both leagues. These awards celebrate outstanding hitting performances, considering factors such as batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Potential candidates often include players known for their ability to consistently produce runs and drive in teammates. The Manager of the Year Award recognizes the most outstanding managers in each league. These awards celebrate leadership, strategic decision-making, and ability to guide their teams to success. Potential candidates often include managers who exceed expectations with their teams, demonstrating a knack for player development and in-game management.

Early Predictions and Surprises

Predicting award winners this far in advance is a risky proposition, but it's part of what makes baseball so engaging. While the favorites often live up to expectations, there's always room for surprises and unexpected performances. Keep an eye on players who are poised to take a leap forward in their development, those who are changing teams and getting a fresh start, and those who are benefiting from new coaching or training methods. The 2025 MLB season promises to be full of exciting storylines and individual achievements, and the award races will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling aspects of the year. So, buckle up and get ready for another thrilling ride as we watch these talented players compete for baseball's top honors. It's going to be a wild season, guys! Don't forget to follow your favorite players and teams, and stay tuned for all the latest news and updates as we get closer to the 2025 MLB Awards.