Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Cal Raleigh Headline Fierce 2025 MLB MVP Race
The 2025 major League Baseball MVP award is shaping up too be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory, with New York Yankees outfielder aaron Judge, Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani, and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerging as frontrunners. Each player is delivering a historically critically important season, presenting a unique challenge for voters as they weigh different forms of value.The award’s outcome will not only recognize individual excellence but also spark debate about the evolving criteria for evaluating a player’s overall contribution to their team.
The traditional MVP formula-typically favoring power hitters-is being challenged by Ohtani’s unprecedented two-way dominance and Raleigh’s surprising offensive output. While Judge leads in several key offensive categories, Ohtani’s pitching prowess adds a dimension rarely seen in MVP contenders, and raleigh’s home run total is a significant factor. The ultimate decision will likely hinge on how voters prioritize offensive production, pitching value, and overall impact on team success.
Judge has established himself as the clear top hitter in baseball, slashing.330/.457/.683 with 123 walks, 35 intentional walks, 134 runs scored, and 51 home runs as of September 24, 2025. He currently leads the league in batting average and OPS and has accumulated nearly 10 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) on the season. Despite not possessing the sheer power numbers of raleigh, Judge’s all-around offensive dominance positions him as a strong candidate.
Ohtani continues to defy convention as a dominant pitcher and hitter. While his specific statistics were not provided, his ability to excel in both facets of the game makes him a unique and compelling MVP candidate. His dual threat creates significant value for the Angels,impacting both their offensive and pitching lineups.
Cal Raleigh has surprised many with his power hitting, amassing a substantial home run total that places him among the league leaders. Though his overall offensive profile may not match Judge’s or Ohtani’s, his contribution as a catcher with significant power is noteworthy.
The Yankees slugger has been the best player in baseball and is widely expected to win the AL MVP award, but a league MVP award will be a tougher call. The final weeks of the season will be crucial as voters assess each player’s continued performance and impact on their respective teams’ playoff aspirations.
