MLB Awards 2025: Predictions, Candidates, And Analysis
Alright baseball fanatics, let's dive deep into the crystal ball and take a sneak peek at the potential MLB Awards landscape for 2025. It's never too early to start speculating, right? We'll explore potential candidates, dark horse contenders, and make some bold predictions. Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions and maybe a few surprises!
MVP Predictions
American League MVP
Okay, guys, for the AL MVP, I'm putting my money on Juan Soto. Yeah, I know, predictable, right? But hear me out. By 2025, Soto will be even more established, and if he stays healthy, his combination of power, on-base ability, and overall offensive prowess is just unmatched. He's a walking stat sheet, and if he's playing for a contending team (which I suspect he will be), the narrative will be firmly in his favor. Of course, there's always the chance of a breakout year from someone unexpected. Keep an eye on guys like Julio Rodriguez, who has the potential to explode into superstardom. And don't count out the seasoned veterans like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge if they can stay healthy. The AL is a loaded field, but Soto's consistency gives him the edge, in my book. The AL MVP race is always a spectacle, with power hitters and dynamic players vying for the title. Soto's plate discipline and ability to get on base make him a constant threat, while Rodriguez's speed and athleticism bring an exciting element to the game. Trout and Judge, when healthy, are forces to be reckoned with, capable of changing the outcome of any game with a single swing. The key for these players will be maintaining consistency throughout the season and avoiding injuries. Ultimately, the winner will likely be the player who not only puts up impressive numbers but also leads their team to success. This combination of individual performance and team achievement is what often sways voters in the AL MVP race.
National League MVP
Now, over in the NL, things get a little more interesting. I'm going with Ronald Acuña Jr. as my early pick. When healthy, he’s an absolute game-changer. His blend of speed, power, and charisma makes him a true five-tool player. If he can stay on the field and lead the Braves to another strong season, he'll be tough to beat. But, the NL is brimming with talent. Fernando Tatis Jr., if he avoids any further off-field issues and stays healthy, could easily be in the mix. His raw talent is undeniable. Also, don't sleep on Mookie Betts. He's a perennial contender and a consistent performer. And a dark horse candidate? Keep an eye on Corbin Carroll if he continues to develop. He could be a real surprise. The NL MVP race promises to be a thrilling contest, with a mix of established stars and rising talents battling for supremacy. Acuña's electrifying style of play and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways make him a formidable contender. Tatis's raw power and athleticism are captivating, while Betts's all-around excellence and consistency make him a perennial threat. Carroll's emergence as a potential star adds an element of intrigue to the race. The winner will likely be the player who can consistently deliver game-changing performances and lead their team to success. The NL MVP is never an easy award to predict, with so many talented players vying for the title.
Cy Young Award Predictions
American League Cy Young
Shifting gears to pitching, the AL Cy Young race is always a dogfight. For 2025, I'm tentatively picking Gerrit Cole. Assuming he's still pitching at a high level (and I think he will be), his experience and track record make him a strong contender. He's a workhorse who consistently racks up strikeouts and innings. But, there are plenty of young guns nipping at his heels. Guys like Shane McClanahan and Grayson Rodriguez have the potential to dominate. And don't forget about Shohei Ohtani, if he’s still pitching. If he is, he's automatically a contender. The AL boasts a mix of established veterans and rising stars, making the Cy Young race a must-watch. Cole's experience and ability to consistently perform at a high level make him a reliable contender. McClanahan's electric stuff and Rodriguez's potential for dominance add excitement to the mix. Ohtani's presence, if he's still pitching, would undoubtedly elevate the competition. The winner will likely be the pitcher who can consistently deliver dominant performances, rack up strikeouts, and lead their team to victories. The competition is fierce, and the AL Cy Young is always a hard-fought award.
National League Cy Young
In the NL, I'm going with Spencer Strider. His strikeout stuff is just unreal. If he can improve his command and consistency, he could be virtually unhittable. He's got the potential to be a true ace. But, the NL is full of talented pitchers. Zack Wheeler is always a threat, and Corbin Burnes is one of the best in the game when he's on. And don't count out Walker Buehler if he returns to form after his injury. The NL Cy Young race promises to be a captivating battle between power pitchers and crafty veterans. Strider's electrifying strikeout stuff makes him a thrilling contender, while Wheeler's consistency and experience make him a reliable force. Burnes's dominance when he's at his best is undeniable, and Buehler's potential return to form adds an element of intrigue to the race. The winner will likely be the pitcher who can consistently deliver dominant performances, rack up strikeouts, and lead their team to success. The NL Cy Young is always a prestigious award, and the competition is fierce.
Rookie of the Year Predictions
American League Rookie of the Year
Alright, predicting rookies is always a crapshoot, but that's part of the fun! For the AL Rookie of the Year in 2025, I'm going to take a flier on a guy who's currently a top prospect: Marcelo Mayer (assuming he's still prospect-eligible). He's got the potential to be a star shortstop, and if he gets the opportunity, he could make a big splash. But, there are always surprises. Keep an eye on other top prospects who could emerge. The Rookie of the Year race is all about opportunity and performance. Mayer's potential as a star shortstop makes him an intriguing candidate. However, the unpredictable nature of rookie performance means that other prospects could easily emerge as contenders. The key will be for these young players to seize their opportunities and make a significant impact on their teams. The AL Rookie of the Year is always an exciting award to follow, as it showcases the future stars of the game.
National League Rookie of the Year
In the NL, I'm going with James Wood. He's a big, powerful outfielder with a ton of upside. If he gets a chance to play regularly, he could put up some serious numbers. But, again, it's tough to predict. There are always under-the-radar guys who come out of nowhere. Keep an eye on the prospect rankings and see who's generating buzz in spring training. The NL Rookie of the Year race is always a fascinating showcase of emerging talent. Wood's potential as a powerful outfielder makes him an exciting candidate. However, the unpredictable nature of rookie performance means that other prospects could easily emerge as contenders. The key will be for these young players to seize their opportunities and make a significant impact on their teams. The NL Rookie of the Year is always an exciting award to follow, as it unveils the future stars of the game. The unpredictability of the race makes it all the more captivating, as fans eagerly watch to see which young player will rise to the occasion.
Bold Predictions and Dark Horses
Okay, let's get a little crazy! Here are a few bold predictions for the 2025 MLB Awards:
- A position player will win the AL Cy Young. Okay, probably not, but wouldn't that be insane? Shohei Ohtani might just defy all expectations.
 - A rookie will win MVP. Highly unlikely, but if a generational talent comes up and dominates, anything is possible.
 - A closer will win Cy Young. Closers are often overlooked, but if one puts up absolutely ridiculous numbers, they could sneak in.
 
And a few dark horse candidates to watch:
- AL MVP: Wander Franco - If he can stay healthy and focused, his talent is undeniable.
 - NL MVP: Oneil Cruz - A true five-tool player with immense potential.
 - AL Cy Young: George Kirby - Quietly developing into a top-of-the-rotation starter.
 - NL Cy Young: Eury Pérez - Electric stuff with a bright future.
 
The MLB Awards races are always filled with surprises, and 2025 is sure to be no different. So, buckle up, baseball fans, and get ready for another exciting season! Who do you think will win? Let me know in the comments below!