As the 2025 MLB season gets underway, fans, analysts, and oddsmakers are already deep in discussion about who will walk away with baseball’s most prestigious individual awards
From MVP races heating up on both coasts to Cy Young campaigns filled with returning champions and breakout rookies, the predictions for this season are overflowing with potential and excitement. With stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes at the forefront, every pitch and every at-bat feels like a steppingstone to legacy.
Bobby Witt Jr.’s MVP Momentum in the AL
Bobby Witt Jr. heads into the 2025 season as the most talked-about MVP candidate in the American League. The Kansas City Royals’ shortstop delivered an electrifying 2024 campaign, establishing himself as the franchise cornerstone. With his lethal combination of speed, glove work, and power at the plate, Witt Jr. not only lifted the Royals into competitive territory but also made highlight reels a nightly routine. His trajectory points toward an MVP-caliber season, and he enters April with the confidence and swagger of a player ready to dominate.
Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way MVP Path in the NL
Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 campaign might be his most compelling yet. Now back on the mound after recovering from injury, the two-way phenom is once again eligible for MVP consideration as both a hitter and a pitcher—this time in the National League. The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed their trust in Ohtani’s dual-threat abilities, and with a fresh start in a new league, his path to NL MVP status seems paved with historic potential. His return to pitching gives him an unmatched edge in the MVP race.
Tarik Skubal’s Case to Repeat as AL Cy Young Winner
After capturing the American League Cy Young Award in 2024, Tarik Skubal is poised to defend his title in 2025. The Detroit Tigers’ ace turned heads last season with a blistering fastball, an elite strikeout rate, and a calm presence on the mound. Skubal’s arsenal remains as devastating as ever, and his refined control is giving hitters nightmares across the league. If he maintains his 2024 form, a second consecutive Cy Young is more than within reach.
Paul Skenes: The NL Cy Young Rookie Contender
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the National League this year. The former LSU standout entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, and he’s already showing signs of living up to the hype. Known for triple-digit fastball and an intimidating presence, Skenes is a frontrunner for the NL Cy Young despite being in his rookie season. His talent, composure, and dominance on the mound put him in an elite company.
Placing Smart Bets on Award Races
For those looking to wager on the MVP and Cy Young races, expert insight can make all the difference. Understanding player momentum, injury histories, and team performance trends is key. If you’re looking to place wagers on award winners, checking out the best MLB picks today can offer expert analysis on potential MVP and Cy Young selections. These expert resources go beyond the obvious choices and provide deeper context on emerging narratives, making them essential for smart betting strategies.
AL MVP Sleeper Picks Beyond Bobby Witt Jr.
While Bobby Witt Jr. leads the conversation, there are several other American League players poised for breakout MVP-level seasons. Watch for sluggers like Yordan Alvarez and Jose Ramirez to put up monster numbers. Additionally, Corey Seager remains a dark horse if he stays healthy, with Texas still riding the momentum of their recent success. The race remains open, and any hot streak could turn the tide.
National League MVP Watch List Behind Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani isn’t the only name in the NL MVP hunt. Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 MVP, remains a force, while Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. also have the tools to make a push. Matt Olson’s power potential and Freddie Freeman’s consistency keep them on the radar. But the return of Ohtani to both the mound and the plate elevates the stakes for all contenders.
AL Cy Young Challengers to Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal may be the frontrunner, but the American League’s pitching depth offers strong competition. Kevin Gausman, Framber Valdez, and Dylan Cease are among those capable of dethroning Skubal. The variety of styles—from overpowering velocity to surgical control—ensures that this Cy Young race will go down to the wire. Skubal’s consistency, however, may still set him apart.
NL Cy Young Race: Skenes and the Veterans
Paul Skenes isn’t running unopposed in his quest for the NL Cy Young. Zack Wheeler, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried are among the seasoned pitchers looking to hold their ground. Yet, Skenes’ raw talent and immediate impact position him as a rare rookie Cy Young candidate. His numbers could challenge established stars if he sustains early-season performance.
Rising Stars to Watch Throughout 2025
Beyond the awards, the 2025 MLB season is overflowing with rising stars destined to shape the league’s future. Junior Caminero, Jackson Holliday, and Wyatt Langford are among those making waves with every game. These young talents not only promise individual accolades down the line but also inject a new energy into teams seeking playoff breakthroughs. Tracking their progress is essential for fans and scouts alike.
The Awards Chase Will Shape the 2025 Season
As each series unfolds, the 2025 awards chase will remain a dominant narrative thread. From Witt Jr.’s MVP push in the AL to Ohtani’s two-way return in the NL, and from Skubal’s Cy Young defense to Skenes’ breakout year, these storylines will influence not just award outcomes, but postseason hopes and Hall of Fame legacies. This season is packed with promise, and fans have front-row seats to put history in motion.