Analysis of the Candidates for MVP in the MLB 2025
The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season has reached its peak, and with it, the race for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award intensifies. The numbers of the main players are defining the strongest contenders.
Based on key metrics such as WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging), here are the five most outstanding players of the season so far.
- Aaron Judge (New York Yankees): The Yankees outfielder is positioned as the most outstanding player.
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers): Despite limiting his work as a pitcher, Ohtani continues to impact with his bat.
- Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners): The big surprise of the season, leading in home runs and RBIs.
- Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers): The Dodgers’ starting catcher has had an outstanding season.
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals): The young shortstop for the Royals continues to demonstrate his potential.
Aaron Judge: The Undisputed Leader
The Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, leads the American League and all of MLB with a batting average of .352, 36 home runs, and 89 runs scored. His OPS of 1.183 is the highest in the league, and his WAR exceeds 7.4, solidifying his impact on both sides of the game.
Judge is back in top form after a 2024 season limited by injuries, leading his team and solidifying himself as the league’s main offensive threat.
Shohei Ohtani: Consistent Offensive Power
Despite the surgical recovery that has limited his role as a pitcher, Shohei Ohtani remains a force at the plate. With more than 30 home runs and an OPS close to .990, his WAR is around 6.0, being crucial for the Dodgers.
Ohtani also tied the record for most consecutive games with a home run (6), demonstrating his historic offensive influence.
Cal Raleigh: Season’s Revelation
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh leads the American League with 38 home runs and 83 RBIs. His OPS near .988 is unusual for a player at his position.
Raleigh has been key in the Mariners’ offense, who are fighting for a postseason spot.
Will Smith: Consistency in the Receiver
The Dodgers’ starting catcher, Will Smith, has had an outstanding season, batting .323 with an OPS of .956. His offensive ability from the catcher position has made him a mainstay on one of the strongest teams in the National League.
Smith combines plate discipline with power, being one of the most efficient hitters of 2025.
Bobby Witt Jr.: Rising Star
The Royals’ young shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., continues to demonstrate his potential. With a WAR close to 5.0, he bats .288 and has over 30 stolen bases, combining speed, power, and elite defense.
Its impact goes beyond statistics, being the engine of a young team that competes with greater solidity.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable players include Elly De La Cruz (Reds), José Ramírez (Guardians), and Nick Kurtz, Athletics rookie.
The 2025 season has been marked by great individual performances and the resurgence of catchers as offensive forces. Judge and Ohtani continue to demonstrate their status as generational phenomena, while youngsters like Witt Jr. and Raleigh represent the future of baseball.
The coming months will be crucial in defining the individual awards, but if current trends continue, Aaron Judge could be awarded the Most Valuable Player award.
