The Pinnacle of the 2025 MLB Season: Awards Ceremony Highlights

As the dust settles on the 2025 MLB season, it’s time to reflect on a year of remarkable performances and outstanding achievements. The awards season, characterized by celebration and recognition of the best players in the league, has just concluded, delivering exciting outcomes that will be etched in baseball history.

American League and National League Rookie of the Year

The ceremony kicked off with the announcement of the Rookie of the Year awards. In a unanimous decision, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics took home the American League honor. Drafted fourth overall in 2024, Kurtz quickly proved his capability by posting a stellar OPS over 1.000 during his inaugural season. His remarkable game on July 25—where he hit four home runs against the Houston Astros—set the stage for an unforgettable rookie campaign.

On the National League side, Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious. Baldwin’s .274 batting average and overall impressive defensive skills secured him the title, making him the first catcher to win the award since Buster Posey in 2010. His performance was essential to the Braves, who relied heavily on his presence in the lineup.

MVP Awards: Continuing Legends and New Greats

The American League MVP race was tight, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees edging out Cal Raleigh from the Seattle Mariners. Judge, now a three-time MVP winner, achieved a .331 batting average and secured his first batting title, capping off a career-first sabermetric Triple Crown. With this accolade, Judge solidified his place among the greats, joining the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.

The National League MVP race was a different story, as Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the award unanimously. This marked Ohtani’s fourth MVP in five years, a feat that have some sports analysts considering his potential to break Barry Bonds’ record for the most MVPs. Ohtani reached a new peak in hitting, slamming 55 home runs and stealing away the spotlight once again with both his bat and his arm.

Cy Young Awards: Dominance on the Mound

On the pitching front, the Cy Young Awards were handed out with significant acclaim. In the American League, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers won the honor for the second consecutive year. Skubal’s consistent dominance was highlighted by an impressive 241 strikeouts, further cementing his status as a premier pitcher in the league.

In the National League, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates not only took home the Cy Young but did so unanimously, showcasing his meteoric rise in the sport. With a staggering ERA of 1.96 over his first two seasons, Skenes has set himself apart as one of the most exciting young pitchers in the game.

Manager of the Year: Leadership and Strategy

The Manager of the Year awards went to two familiar names: Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians and Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers, both of whom earned their second consecutive award. Vogt’s Guardians staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the AL Central, while Murphy’s Brewers led the league with a franchise record in wins, emphasizing the strategic prowess both managers demonstrated throughout the season.

The Stakes of Performance: Analyst Insight

Bradford Doolittle, an MLB writer and analyst for ESPN, provided insight into the decisions behind the awards. He noted that while Judge’s performance highlighted his enduring excellence, the continuing narrative of players like Ohtani remains fascinating as MLB witnesses an era of unprecedented two-way talent. This shift toward valuing both offensive and defensive contributions speaks to the evolving landscape of baseball.

Additionally, Doolittle highlighted Skubal and Skenes as examples of a new breed of pitchers who redefine dominance on the mound. Their ability to craft performances with unprecedented efficiency and control paves the way for future generations of talent.

Final Thoughts

The award winners of the 2025 MLB season have not only made their mark on the history books but also set high standards for the players that follow. As we look forward to the upcoming season, the hot stove is heating up, and anticipation builds for fresh tales of heroism and skill that baseball will surely deliver.