MLB Awards Week: Judge and Ohtani Win Consecutive MVPs

The 2025 MLB Awards Week marked a significant celebration of excellence in the league, with both Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers securing their second consecutive Most Valuable Player awards. According to ESPN, Judge won the American League MVP by a narrow margin, finishing with 355 total points, edging out Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who garnered 335 points. Judge's 2025 season was remarkable, leading the majors with a .331 batting average, 53 home runs, and 114 RBIs, which also earned him his first batting title and made him the 13th player in history to win three MVPs, joining legends like Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.

On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani, who won the National League MVP unanimously, continued to redefine expectations with his extraordinary two-way performance. He hit a career-high 55 home runs, drove in 102 RBIs, and scored an impressive 146 runs while maintaining a .282 batting average. This marks Ohtani's fourth MVP award in five years, placing him second only to Barry Bonds, who won the award seven times. ESPN highlighted Ohtani's unmatched impact in both batting and pitching, as he effectively returned to the mound with a 2.87 ERA over 14 appearances after surgery, further solidifying his status as one of the game's most dynamic players.

Both players were also recognized with the Hank Aaron Award for their outstanding offensive performances, with Judge and Ohtani each claiming their third award in this category. This season not only emphasizes their dominance but sets the stage for future MVP races, particularly as Ohtani transitions to the National League, reducing the competition he faces directly from Judge in the American League MVP discussions. The awards ceremony capped off a season that saw Judge and Ohtani not only excel personally but also lead their teams to significant postseason success, with Ohtani playing a pivotal role in the Dodgers' World Series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. The recognition of Judge and Ohtani highlights their roles as the faces of baseball, as they continue to build their legacies in the sport while inspiring the next generation of players. This impressive back-to-back MVP achievement for both players reinforces their status as the premier talents in Major League Baseball, ensuring that fans will be eager to watch what they accomplish in the upcoming seasons.