As the 2025 MLB season approaches the All-Star Game, Just Baseball assesses midseason awards for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year. Each award reflects performance up until this point, with standout players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge emerging as frontrunners for their respective leagues. The voting revealed unexpected tight races, particularly for the Cy Young awards, where Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are recognized for their outstanding pitching feats. This evaluation provides insight into the players’ current trajectories and potential future developments.

By the Numbers

• Shohei Ohtani leads the NL in home runs, runs scored, OPS, and combined fWAR.
• Paul Skenes leads the NL in ERA, while Tarik Skubal ranks fourth in AL ERA.
• Jacob Wilson leads AL rookies in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS.

Yes, But

While Ohtani and Judge are leading MVP candidates, emerging talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cal Raleigh present viable competition, complicating the narrative. Similarly, tight races for the Cy Young awards spotlight both established pitchers and newcomers, adding layers of intrigue to the discussions.

State of Play

• Ohtani and Judge dominate MVP discussions, but other players are closing the gap.
• Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal hold slight leads in their Cy Young races.
• Drake Baldwin and Jacob Wilson gain traction in the Rookie of the Year categories.

What’s Next

The upcoming All-Star Game will provide more clarity on player performances and momentum shifts as they head into the second half of the season. Continued excellence or a dip in form could significantly influence award races across categories. Expect to see intense competition as players vie for postseason accolades.

Bottom Line

The midseason awards highlight the current dominance of players like Ohtani and Judge while showcasing the potential for up-and-coming talent to shift the narrative in the months ahead. As the season progresses, the landscape of MLB awards remains dynamic, with every game impacting the final results.