Way-Too-Early MLB Awards Picks: AL & NL Edition

The 2025 MLB season is almost here — and with it comes a fresh wave of hype, hope, and high-stakes potential.

New faces in new places, top prospects ready to break out, and MVP-caliber players looking to run it back (or snatch the crown) — the stage is set for another unforgettable summer on the diamond.

So before the first pitch is even thrown, I’m locking in my early predictions for baseball’s biggest honors. From MVP to Cy Young to Rookie of the Year, here’s who I think could rise above the rest in both leagues this season.

Let’s open the Playbook and get bold.

Cy Youngs

AL: Tarik Skubal (DET)

Runner-ups: Logan Gilbert (SEA), Garrett Crochet (BOS)

There hasn’t been a pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards since Jacob deGrom did it in 2018–2019 — but Detroit’s Tarik Skubal looks poised to break that trend.

That’s no knock on Logan Gilbert or Garrett Crochet, who are both top-tier arms. But when a talent like Skubal is dealing gem after gem, it’s hard to imagine another AL pitcher stealing this award.

In 2024, Skubal led the American League in wins (18), strikeouts (228), and ERA (2.39), claiming a Cy Young triple crown. If he keeps that momentum in 2025, he could be a lock for the award by May.

NL: Paul Skenes (PIT)

Runner-ups: Zack Wheeler (PHI), Shota Imanaga (CHC)

Paul Skenes might already be the best pitcher in baseball after just one professional season. The 6'6", 22-year-old took the league by storm in 2024, winning NL Rookie of the Year behind an 11–3 record, 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts.

What makes Skenes so dominant is his arsenal — a blazing 100 MPH fastball paired with offspeed stuff that moves like it’s remote-controlled.

Now that his rookie year is behind him, a full-on Cy Young campaign feels well within reach.

Wheeler — last year’s NL Cy Young runner-up — and Imanaga, who followed a similarly impressive rookie arc in Chicago, are both solid bets too.

MVPs

AL: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)

Runner-ups: Aaron Judge (NYY), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)

Coming off a batting title and his second 30-30 season, Bobby Witt Jr. enters 2025 as the AL MVP front-runner.

At just 24, Witt has improved every year, and there’s no reason to believe that stops now. He’s the definition of a five-tool player: blazing speed, legit power, elite defense at short, and a rocket arm.

Witt might have taken home the MVP in 2024 if not for Aaron Judge, who crushed 58 homers for the Yankees. Judge remains a serious contender if he keeps up that pace.

Also keep an eye on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Contract talks stalled between him and the Blue Jays this offseason, which means he’s entering a contract year — and that usually means big-time numbers.

NL: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

Runner-ups: Juan Soto (NYM), Francisco Lindor (NYM)

Did you expect anyone else? Shohei Ohtani will be back on the mound in 2025 after missing last season due to Tommy John surgery. With his return to two-way dominance — and his already elite bat — Ohtani should be locked into the MVP conversation all year.

The Mets have two contenders of their own. Juan Soto, with a career OPS of .953, is one of the best pure hitters in the game. And Francisco Lindor continues to elevate his offensive numbers while remaining a defensive anchor. Another 30+ HR, 90+ RBI season is well within reach for Lindor.

Rookies of the Year

AL: Jasson Dominguez (NYY)

Runner-ups: Jackson Jobe (DET), Kristian Campbell (BOS)

This might finally be the year we see a full season of Jasson Dominguez. The Yankees’ switch-hitting outfielder has been up and down from the big league roster, but with outfield spots up for grabs, Dominguez should get his shot.

Jackson Jobe, MLB's No. 5 prospect, tossed just four MLB innings last year for Detroit but has dominated at every level. Watching how his stuff translates full-time to the majors will be must-see.

Kristian Campbell enters the year as one of the best pure hitters in the minors. After an MVP season in Double-A Portland, he’s shown he can hit — and hit hard — at every level.

NL: Roki Sasaki (LAD)

Runner-ups: Dylan Crews (WAS), Matt Shaw (CHC)

Roki Sasaki, 23, was this offseason’s top international prospect and is expected to contribute immediately for the Dodgers. He showed his stuff in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping Japan win the title over Team USA.

His fastball screams triple digits, and his splitter is already the stuff of legend — many analysts believe it’s enough to win him Rookie of the Year.

Also in the mix: Washington’s Dylan Crews and Chicago’s Matt Shaw. Both are tearing up spring training and are expected to make major contributions from Day 1.