Top 5 MLB MVP Candidates at Midseason

By Oliver Wiener July 10, 2025 09:28

As the 2025 MLB season crosses the halfway mark, the MVP race is heating up with a blend of established superstars and emerging talents staking their claim. Both leagues feature compelling narratives, but a few names have clearly distinguished themselves with outstanding production and impact. Here’s a detailed look at the top five MVP candidates at midseason, backed by stats and expert insights.

1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (AL)

Aaron Judge remains the overwhelming favorite in the American League MVP conversation. The reigning AL MVP has been nothing short of historic, hitting .423 with a staggering .510 on-base percentage and a .777 slugging percentage through early July. Judge leads MLB in hits (55), runs (32), RBIs (33), and OPS (1.287), while posting a 3.4 WAR according to FanGraphs. His 14-game hitting streak and nine multi-hit games during that span underscore his consistency and dominance. Judge is on pace for 481 total bases, which would shatter Babe Ruth’s 1921 record of 457 total bases an almost unfathomable feat in modern baseball.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently praised Judge’s leadership, saying, “He’s the heartbeat of this team. When Judge is locked in, we all feel it.” This kind of impact, both statistically and intangibly, makes Judge the clear frontrunner.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (NL)

Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what a two-way player can be. Though he has yet to return to the mound this season, his offensive numbers remain elite. Ohtani boasts a .970 OPS and is on pace for another 40-40 season (40+ home runs and 40+ stolen bases), a rare feat that only a handful of players have ever achieved. Last year, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in the same season while winning the NL MVP. His continued offensive prowess keeps him at the top of the National League MVP odds.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts commented, “Shohei’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. His presence changes how teams pitch and defend against us.”

3. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (AL)

At just 24, Bobby Witt Jr. has emerged as one of the AL’s most dynamic five-tool players. Coming off a second-place MVP finish last year, Witt is hitting .306 with a league-leading 13 doubles and nine stolen bases. His .872 OPS is the highest among AL shortstops, and his defensive metrics, including five Outs Above Average, highlight his value on both sides of the ball. Witt’s blend of power, speed, and defense makes him a legitimate MVP contender as the Royals push for playoff contention.

4. Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs (NL)

Kyle Tucker has been a revelation for the Cubs, posting a .976 OPS with nine home runs and 30 RBIs. His on-base percentage of .399 and pace for career highs in homers (42), RBIs (139), and stolen bases (42) put him in elite company. Tucker’s all-around offensive production has been a key driver for Chicago’s resurgence, and he has already earned four first-place MVP votes in expert polls.

5. Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox (AL)

Alex Bregman has been a powerhouse in his first season with the Red Sox, hitting .979 OPS with 13 doubles and eight home runs. His 27 RBIs lead all MLB third basemen, and his 172 OPS+ marks a career high. Bregman’s ability to produce in clutch situations and his leadership in Boston’s lineup have made him a strong MVP candidate as the Red Sox aim for a postseason berth.

Honorable Mentions

José Ramírez (Guardians): On pace for another strong season with power and speed, Ramírez remains in the MVP mix.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres): Despite some injury setbacks, Tatis’s electrifying play keeps him in the conversation.
Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks): The young outfielder’s breakout season has drawn attention in the NL.

While the MVP race is far from settled, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani continue to lead their respective leagues with jaw-dropping performances. Meanwhile, players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Tucker are making strong pushes, blending traditional stats with advanced metrics to bolster their cases. As the season progresses, the blend of power, speed, and leadership will determine who ultimately claims baseball’s most prestigious individual award.

The 2025 MVP race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with narratives and numbers that capture the essence of modern baseball excellence.