MLB 2025: Passan Awards, The Best of the Season with Raleigh, Schwarber, and Soto

The Passan Awards 2025: Celebrating the Best of Baseball

Two months before the winners of the Most Valuable Player, the Cy Young Award, and the Rookies of the Year are revealed, it’s the perfect time to honor the highlights of the 2025 MLB season. The third Annual Passan Awards seek to celebrate the most exciting elements of the season, recognizing that even those who are not the best deserve recognition.

Badonkadonk of the Year: Cal Raleigh

It was obvious. Cal Raleigh, the best catcher in MLB, a switch-hitting hero and Platinum Glove winner, with the most fitting (and inappropriate) nickname in baseball: “Big Dumper”. Raleigh has had a stellar season, surpassing Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. in the record books. His performance has kept him in contention for the American League MVP, and he has even had the opportunity to become the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 or more home runs in a season. The 2025 Raleigh season has put him at the top alongside Aaron Judge. His case for MVP is solid, with numbers that back up the narrative: the home run king of 2025, playing in the most important position, leading his team to the postseason.

Slugger of the Year: Kyle Schwarber

Schwarber, 32, has been the icon of the three true results of the National League with the Phillies. He leads the league in home runs and has had memorable moments that have earned him the title of “Slugger of the Year”. In the Home Run Derby, Schwarber hit three consecutive home runs in the swing-off and secured the victory. He is the archetype of the slugger: when he gets hot, he is unstoppable. Despite the injuries on the team, Schwarber kept the Phillies afloat. Although he may not receive the MVP recognition he deserves due to his designated hitter position, this award is a way to honor Schwarber: the king of sluggers, ready to shine in another October.

Base Thief of the Year: Juan Soto

The surprise of the 2025 season: Juan Soto leads MLB in stolen bases in the second half. Soto, the $765 million man, has stolen 35 bases this season, almost tripling his previous record. Soto has shown that stealing bases, with the new rules and larger bases, isn’t just for speedsters. Soto’s success is attributed to working with Mets coach Antoan Richardson and Soto’s determination to become his best self.

Best Player You Still Don’t Know About: Geraldo Perdomo

Who are the five best all-time players in baseball this year? Raleigh, Judge, and Ohtani are certain. Then, it’s a matter of preference. But we can’t ignore the case of Perdomo, the shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Perdomo is a complete player: batting, on-base percentage, runs, RBIs, and stolen bases. In addition, he plays a key position at a high level. Their numbers speak for themselves.

Individual Performance of the Year: Nick Kurtz

In a game against the Astros on July 25, Kurtz hit a single, a home run, a double, and three more home runs. Kurtz finished the game with 19 total bases, tying a record that belonged to Shawn Green. If Kurtz’s game isn’t the best, it’s certainly in the top five.

Dirtiest Pitching Prospect of the Year: Jacob Misiorowski

Misiorowski, the Brewers’ pitcher, is an anomaly. His slider averages 94.1 mph, and he has thrown 85 at over 95 mph this season. Your slider is an evolution of the launch. The launch and late movement earned him the award.

Game of the Year: Pirates vs. Rockies, August 1st

The game between the Pirates and the Rockies was a chaotic event. It began with a nine-run first inning for the Pirates. The game was constant chaos, with runs from both teams. Finally, the Rockies won with a home run by Brenton Doyle. The game was unforgettable.

Chicken-and-Beer Award for Most Astonishing Collapse: New York Mets

The Mets’ collapse has been slow and steady. They have lost ground in the standings and are relying on young players to rescue the franchise.

This collapse is a reminder that, despite the Mets’ resources, they are still the Mets.

Transaction of the Year: Red Sox Acquire Garrett Crochet

The acquisition of Crochet by the Red Sox is unbeatable. Without Crochet, Boston would not be close to the playoffs. Crochet leads MLB in strikeouts and the American League in innings pitched. The agreement was beneficial for both parties.

Tickle Me Elmo Award: Beat Torpedo

The torpedo bat, designed to revolutionize baseball, had initial success, but its impact was limited. The torpedo bat didn’t work for all the players, but it showed that the game is full of curious people willing to innovate.

Things we’ll still be talking about in 50 years: The Rockies’ career differential

The Rockies have the worst run differential in modern history. The Rockies have scored few runs and allowed many, leading to a negative run differential that is almost impossible to overcome.