MLB 2025 Awards Watch: August Update

As the 2025 MLB season heads into its final stretch, the races for the most prestigious awards are heating up. From the MVP to the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year, let's dive into the latest developments and key players to watch.

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

American League

• Front-runner: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (152 AXE)
• Next nine: Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., Jose Ramirez, Jeremy Pena, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Byron Buxton, Julio Rodriguez, Corey Seager, Randy Arozarena, Maikel Garcia

Aaron Judge remains the front-runner despite a slight dip in his performance post-All-Star break. His OPS has decreased, but he still leads the pack statistically and in the betting markets. Keep an eye on Cal Raleigh, who is on pace to break the single-season home run record for switch-hitters and catchers.

National League

• Front-runner: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (152 AXE)
• Next nine: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Fernando Tatis Jr., Kyle Tucker, Geraldo Perdomo, Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto, Will Smith, Corbin Carroll, Trea Turner

Shohei Ohtani continues to dominate both at the plate and on the mound. His all-time great season keeps him ahead of the competition, with Pete Crow-Armstrong trailing after a recent slump.

Cy Young Award

American League

• Front-runner: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers (143 AXE)
• Next nine: Garrett Crochet, Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, Nathan Eovaldi, Joe Ryan, Kris Bubic, Drew Rasmussen, Michael Wacha, Max Fried

Tarik Skubal leads the AL Cy Young race, though Garrett Crochet is closing the gap with his consistent performance for the Boston Red Sox.

National League

• Front-runner: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates (140.4 AXE)
• Next nine: Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, Andrew Abbott, Nick Pivetta, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Nick Lodolo, Ranger Suarez, Matthew Boyd, Logan Webb

Paul Skenes edges out Cristopher Sanchez by a narrow margin. Skenes' potential to finish the season with an ERA under 2.00 keeps him in the lead.

Rookie of the Year

American League

• Front-runner: Nick Kurtz, Oakland Athletics (123 AXE)
• Next nine: Noah Cameron, Jacob Wilson, Carlos Narvaez, Roman Anthony, Will Warren, Cam Smith, Mike Vasil, Colson Montgomery, Jacob Lopez

Nick Kurtz has taken control of the AL Rookie of the Year race with his impressive performance, including a historic 6-for-6 game with four home runs.

National League

• Front-runner: Isaac Collins, Milwaukee Brewers (121 AXE)
• Next nine: Drake Baldwin, Caleb Durbin, Chad Patrick, Bradley Lord, Hyeseong Kim, Jack Dreyer, Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Jakob Marsee

Isaac Collins leads the NL Rookie of the Year race, showcasing the Brewers' ability to develop impactful players.

Manager of the Year

American League

• Front-runner: John Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays (108.9 EARL)
• Next four: AJ Hinch, Joe Espada, Dan Wilson, Ron Washington/Ray Montgomery

John Schneider has overtaken AJ Hinch as the Blue Jays lead the AL East.

National League

• Front-runner: Pat Murphy, Milwaukee Brewers (114.5 EARL)
• Next four: Clayton McCullough, Oliver Marmol, Mike Shildt, Rob Thomson

Pat Murphy is on track to win back-to-back NL Manager of the Year awards as the Brewers continue their dominant season.