Who Are the Top MLB MVP Candidates for the 2025 Season?

By Oliver Wiener June 17, 2025 09:34

The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to feature a thrilling MVP race, with several standout candidates in both the American and National Leagues. While Aaron Judge remains the overwhelming favorite in the AL, the NL race is wide open with multiple stars vying for the honor. Here’s a breakdown of the top MVP contenders and what makes their cases compelling.

American League MVP Favorites

Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Judge is the clear runaway favorite for the 2025 AL MVP award. Through early June, he leads MLB with a staggering .391 batting average, 86 hits, 38 extra-base hits, and an OPS of 1.249. He ranks third in home runs with 21 and tops the league in on-base percentage (.485) and total bases (168). Judge’s dominance extends beyond traditional stats; he leads in WAR metrics (3.1 bWAR, 3.4 fWAR), underscoring his all-around value.

ESPN’s latest MVP poll shows Judge receiving 40 first-place votes, and MLB.com’s May poll had him unanimously atop the ballot. His 14-game hitting streak and pace toward breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season total bases record (457) highlight his historic season. As MLB analyst Jon Heyman put it, “Judge is playing at a level few hitters have ever reached, combining power, average, and plate discipline.”

Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

Raleigh is emerging as a strong challenger, especially with his power surge. He leads MLB with 23 home runs and has hit six in his last six games. Raleigh’s 1.016 OPS ranks first among qualified catchers, and his May performance (12 homers, 1.169 OPS) was second only to Judge in the AL. While he trails Judge in overall impact, Raleigh’s breakout season makes him a legitimate contender.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

Witt continues to impress with his all-around game, batting .283 with an .822 OPS. He leads AL shortstops in doubles (22), triples (3), and stolen bases (20), showcasing his speed and power. Witt’s consistency and defensive prowess make him a top candidate for a first-time MVP.

Other notable AL candidates include Alex Bregman, Jacob Wilson, Isaac Paredes, and Rafael Devers, each contributing significantly to their teams.

National League MVP Contenders

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ohtani remains the frontrunner in the NL MVP race, with odds reflecting an 86.7% implied probability to win. His unique two-way contributions as both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter set him apart. Ohtani’s ability to impact games on the mound and at the plate makes him a perennial favorite.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs

A rising star, Crow-Armstrong has attracted attention with his offensive production and defensive skills. While his odds are longer (+1100), his potential impact cannot be overlooked.

Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks

Carroll’s blend of speed and power (+1600 odds) has made him one of the most exciting young players in the NL, and he’s a serious contender if he maintains his pace.

Other NL candidates include Fernando Tatis Jr., Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Juan Soto, all within striking distance in the MVP race.

What to Watch

The AL MVP race appears to be Judge’s to lose, barring injury or a significant drop in production. His historic pace and leadership of the Yankees make him the favorite to capture a second straight AL MVP and third overall.

The NL race is far more competitive, with Ohtani’s two-way excellence balanced against emerging stars like Crow-Armstrong and Carroll. The battle promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

The 2025 MLB MVP race features a blend of established superstars and rising talents. Aaron Judge’s historic offensive numbers make him the clear favorite in the AL, while Shohei Ohtani and a cadre of young stars vie for the NL crown. As the season progresses, fans can expect a captivating battle for baseball’s most prestigious individual award.