MLB: Is Judge a 9 WAR player? Raleigh, Ohtani, and Skubal in the spotlight

MLB Stars in the Spotlight: Who Will Keep the Pace?

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, several stars are proving their worth with impressive numbers. We analyze the performance of some of the most outstanding players and consult our experts to predict whether they will maintain their pace in the final stretch.

Cal Raleigh is making history with every hit, while Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Shohei Ohtani are also showing why they are considered some of the best hitters in the sport. In addition, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes are recording incredible numbers on the mound.

Expert Analysis: Who Will Remain?

Our team of MLB experts has evaluated the performance of these players to determine who will maintain their pace and who might decline in performance in the final stretch of the season.

Cal Raleigh: Will He Surpass 61 Runs?

The Seattle Mariners’ batter is on track to reach 61 runs, but he may not reach that figure.

Alofoke Deportes

Raleigh has had two 31-game periods this year where he has hit at least a dozen home runs, enough to reach 61 runs, which is possible. In addition, now that he has surpassed Salvador Perez’s record, Raleigh can aim for the Mariners franchise record of 56 home runs, set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1997. However, his pace has slowed since the All-Star break. The batter has had few days off and strikeouts have piled up in August. Could Raleigh be feeling the fatigue of playing almost every day?

Schwarber and Ohtani: Who Will Take the Home Run Title?

Schwarber could win the home run title with 56 this season, as he has historically performed well in September. Ohtani is also strong at the end of the year, but this season is special for the Philadelphia Phillies’ designated hitter. Schwarber could reach 59 home runs, as he has figured out how to hit against left-handed pitchers and has very balanced statistics. In addition, with 20 home runs in his last 45 games, he is still in his prime.

Aaron Judge: What Will His Final WAR Be?

Judge has underperformed after the All-Star break. He may not play in right field every day for the New York Yankees when he returns, which would limit his WAR potential. His final number is expected to be 8.9, which is still a good achievement.

Nick Kurtz: Will He Keep His OPS Above 1,000?

Kurtz could become the rare rookie with an OPS above 1.000. If home runs are removed from everyone’s records, the Athletics’ first baseman would still have an OPS in the top 25. However, the key is in left-handed pitchers, where Kurtz needs to improve. With the Athletics’ remaining opponents, his rookie season is unlikely to include an OPS above 1.000.

Only Albert Pujols and Aaron Judge have achieved an OPS of 1.000 as rookies since World War II. Kurtz should reach the 502 appearances needed to qualify and will finish with an OPS of 1.000, driven by a high walk rate. Kurtz is already one of the best hitters in the game.

Tarik Skubal: Will He Reach 247 Strikeouts?

Skubal is on his way to achieving it. He has at least six remaining starts and has historically improved towards the end of the season. His strikeout rate in September is the second highest of any month. In addition, the Detroit Tigers could give Skubal a rest in his final starts if they secure their division early, but he is likely to reach 250 strikeouts by the end of the month.

Paul Skenes: Will He Finish with a Higher or Lower ERA?

Skenes’ ERA is expected to be lower, as the Pittsburgh Pirates will give him as much rest as possible. Skenes has the opportunity to win the National League Cy Young award, and the Pirates will do everything they can to make that happen. He is likely to finish the season with around 180 innings. His ERA could be slightly higher, as 2.07 is a very low number and Skenes hasn’t been so sharp recently. The Pirates will likely limit his workload down the stretch, so a significant increase isn’t expected.

Freddy Peralta: Will He Be the First 20-Game Winner?

Peralta needs to win five of his last six games to reach 20 wins. It is likely that he will not reach that figure, as the Milwaukee Brewers could secure first place and not force Peralta in the last week. Although it’s becoming rarer, it’s likely there will be at least one 20-game winner in the season.